EX-10.26 28 d741756dex1026.htm EX-10.26 EX-10.26

Exhibit 10.26

EXECUTION VERSION

$250,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of March 7, 2011

among

CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION,

which on the Effective Date shall be merged within and into

J. CREW GROUP, INC.,

with J. Crew Group, Inc. surviving such merger as the Borrower,

CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC.

as Holdings,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent and Issuer,

and

THE OTHER LENDERS AND ISSUERS PARTY HERETO

 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

as Syndication Agent,

HSBC BANK USA, N.A.

SUNTRUST BANK

and

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC,

as Co-Documentation Agents,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

and

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA

as Arrangers,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

and

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

as Joint Bookrunners

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     2  

SECTION 1.1

 

Defined Terms

     2  

SECTION 1.2

 

Other Interpretive Provisions

     67  

SECTION 1.3

 

Accounting Terms

     68  

SECTION 1.4

 

Rounding

     68  

SECTION 1.5

 

[Reserved]

     68  

SECTION 1.6

 

References to Agreements, Laws, Etc.

     68  

SECTION 1.7

 

Times of Day

     68  

SECTION 1.8

 

Pro Forma Calculations

     69  

SECTION 1.9

 

Currency Equivalents Generally

     70  

SECTION 1.10

 

Exchange Rates; Currency Translation

     70  

SECTION 1.11

 

Change of Currency

     71  

ARTICLE II THE FACILITY

     72  

SECTION 2.1

 

The Revolving Credit Commitments

     72  

SECTION 2.2

 

Borrowing Procedures

     73  

SECTION 2.3

 

Swing Loans

     74  

SECTION 2.4

 

Letters of Credit

     76  

SECTION 2.5

 

Reduction and Termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments

     82  

SECTION 2.6

 

Repayment of Loans

     82  

SECTION 2.7

 

Evidence of Indebtedness

     82  

SECTION 2.8

 

Optional Prepayments

     84  

SECTION 2.9

 

Mandatory Prepayments

     84  

SECTION 2.10

 

Interest

     85  

SECTION 2.11

 

Conversion/Continuation Option

     86  

SECTION 2.12

 

Fees

     87  

SECTION 2.13

 

Payments and Computations

     88  

SECTION 2.14

 

Special Provisions Governing Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans

     90  

SECTION 2.15

 

Revolving Commitment Increase

     90  

SECTION 2.16

 

Defaulting Lenders

     92  

SECTION 2.17

 

Extensions of Loans

     94  

ARTICLE III TAXES, INCREASED COSTS PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

     97  

SECTION 3.1

 

Taxes

     97  

SECTION 3.2

 

Illegality

     102  

SECTION 3.3

 

Inability to Determine Rates

     103  

SECTION 3.4

 

Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans

     104  

SECTION 3.5

 

Funding Losses

     105  

SECTION 3.6

 

Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation

     106  

SECTION 3.7

 

Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances

     107  

SECTION 3.8

 

Survival

     108  

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     108  

SECTION 4.1

 

Conditions Precedent to Effective Date

     108  

SECTION 4.2

 

Conditions Precedent to Each Loan and Letter of Credit

     112  

SECTION 4.3

 

Determinations of Effective Date Borrowing Conditions

     113  

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     113  

SECTION 5.1

 

Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws

     113  

SECTION 5.2

 

Authorization; No Contravention

     113  

SECTION 5.3

 

Governmental Authorization

     114  

SECTION 5.4

 

Binding Effect

     114  

SECTION 5.5

 

Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect

     114  

SECTION 5.6

 

Litigation

     115  

SECTION 5.7

 

Labor Matters

     115  

SECTION 5.8

 

Ownership of Property; Liens

     115  

SECTION 5.9

 

Environmental Matters

     115  

SECTION 5.10

 

Taxes

     116  

SECTION 5.11

 

ERISA Compliance

     116  

SECTION 5.12

 

Subsidiaries

     117  

SECTION 5.13

 

Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act

     117  

SECTION 5.14

 

Disclosure

     117  

SECTION 5.15

 

Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.

     117  

SECTION 5.16

 

Solvency

     118  

SECTION 5.17

 

Subordination of Junior Financing

     118  

SECTION 5.18

 

USA PATRIOT Act

     118  

SECTION 5.19

 

Collateral Documents

     118  

ARTICLE VI FINANCIAL COVENANT

     119  

SECTION 6.1

 

Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

     119  

ARTICLE VII REPORTING COVENANTS

     119  

SECTION 7.1

 

Financial Statements, Etc.

     119  

SECTION 7.2

 

Certificates; Other Information

     121  

SECTION 7.3

 

Notices

     123  

SECTION 7.4

 

Borrowing Base Certificate

     124  

ARTICLE VIII AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     125  

SECTION 8.1

 

Preservation of Existence, Etc.

     126  

SECTION 8.2

 

Compliance with Laws, Etc.

     126  

SECTION 8.3

 

Designation of Subsidiaries

     126  

SECTION 8.4

 

Payment of Taxes, Etc.

     127  

SECTION 8.5

 

Maintenance of Insurance

     127  

SECTION 8.6

 

Inspection Rights

     127  

SECTION 8.7

 

Books and Records

     128  

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

SECTION 8.8

 

Maintenance of Properties

     128  

SECTION 8.9

 

Use of Proceeds

     128  

SECTION 8.10

 

Compliance with Environmental Laws

     128  

SECTION 8.11

 

Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security

     128  

SECTION 8.12

 

Cash Receipts

     130  

SECTION 8.13

 

Further Assurances and Post-Closing Covenants

     132  

ARTICLE IX NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     133  

SECTION 9.1

 

Liens

     134  

SECTION 9.2

 

Investments

     137  

SECTION 9.3

 

Indebtedness

     140  

SECTION 9.4

 

Fundamental Changes

     144  

SECTION 9.5

 

Dispositions

     146  

SECTION 9.6

 

Restricted Payments

     149  

SECTION 9.7

 

Change in Nature of Business

     152  

SECTION 9.8

 

Transactions with Affiliates

     152  

SECTION 9.9

 

Burdensome Agreements

     154  

SECTION 9.10

 

[Reserved]

     156  

SECTION 9.11

 

Accounting Changes; Fiscal Year

     156  

SECTION 9.12

 

Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness

     156  

SECTION 9.13

 

[Reserved]

     157  

SECTION 9.14

 

Modification of Debt Agreements

     157  

SECTION 9.15

 

Holdings

     157  

ARTICLE X EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     157  

SECTION 10.1

 

Events of Default

     157  

SECTION 10.2

 

Remedies upon Event of Default

     161  

SECTION 10.3

 

Application of Funds

     162  

SECTION 10.4

 

Company’s Right to Cure

     163  

SECTION 10.5

 

Actions in Respect of Letters of Credit; Cash Collateral

     164  

ARTICLE XI THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     165  

SECTION 11.1

 

Appointment and Authorization

     165  

SECTION 11.2

 

Rights as a Lender

     166  

SECTION 11.3

 

Exculpatory Provisions

     166  

SECTION 11.4

 

Reliance by the Administrative Agent

     167  

SECTION 11.5

 

Delegation of Duties

     168  

SECTION 11.6

 

Resignation of Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent

     168  

SECTION 11.7

 

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders; Disclosure of Information by Agents

     169  

SECTION 11.8

 

No Other Duties; Other Agents, Arrangers, Managers, Etc.

     170  

SECTION 11.9

 

Intercreditor Agreement

     170  

SECTION 11.10

 

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

     171  

SECTION 11.11

 

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

     171  

SECTION 11.12

 

[Reserved]

     173  

 

iii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

SECTION 11.13

 

Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements

     173  

SECTION 11.14

 

Indemnification of Agents

     174  

ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS

     174  

SECTION 12.1

 

Amendments, Etc.

     174  

SECTION 12.2

 

Successors and Assigns

     177  

SECTION 12.3

 

Costs and Expenses

     183  

SECTION 12.4

 

Indemnities

     183  

SECTION 12.5

 

Limitation of Liability

     185  

SECTION 12.6

 

Right of Setoff

     185  

SECTION 12.7

 

Sharing of Payments

     186  

SECTION 12.8

 

Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies

     187  

SECTION 12.9

 

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

     189  

SECTION 12.10

 

Judgment Currency

     189  

SECTION 12.11

 

Binding Effect

     189  

SECTION 12.12

 

[Reserved]

     189  

SECTION 12.13

 

Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Service of Process

     189  

SECTION 12.14

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     190  

SECTION 12.15

 

Marshaling; Payments Set Aside

     191  

SECTION 12.16

 

[Reserved]

     191  

SECTION 12.17

 

Execution in Counterparts

     191  

SECTION 12.18

 

Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents

     192  

SECTION 12.19

 

Confidentiality

     192  

SECTION 12.20

 

Use of Name, Logo, etc.

     193  

SECTION 12.21

 

USA PATRIOT Act Notice

     193  

SECTION 12.22

 

Reserved

     193  

SECTION 12.23

 

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

     193  

SECTION 12.24

 

Severability

     194  

SECTION 12.25

 

Survival of Representations and Warranties

     194  

SECTION 12.26

 

Lender Action

     194  

SECTION 12.27

 

Interest Rate Limitation

     195  

SCHEDULES

 

Schedule I    -    Revolving Credit Commitments
Schedule II    -    Guarantors
Schedule 1.1A    -    Certain Security Interests and Guarantees
Schedule 1.1D    -    Mortgaged Properties
Schedule 1.1E    -    Credit Card Agreements
Schedule 1.1F    -    Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 5.11(a)    -    ERISA Compliance
Schedule 5.12    -    Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments
Schedule 8.12    -    Deposit Accounts
Schedule 9.1(b)    -    Existing Liens

 

iv


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

Schedule 9.2(f)    -    Existing Investments
Schedule 9.3(b)    -    Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 9.8    -    Transactions with Affiliates
Schedule 9.9    -    Burdensome Agreements
Schedule 12.8    -    Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices

 

v


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(CONTINUED)

 

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A

   -   

Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B

   -   

Form of Revolving Credit Note

Exhibit C

   -   

Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit D

   -   

Form of Swing Loan Request

Exhibit E

   -   

Form of Letter of Credit Request

Exhibit F

   -   

Form of Notice of Conversion or Continuation

Exhibit G

   -   

Form of Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP, New York Counsel for the Loan Parties

Exhibit H

   -   

Form of Guaranty

Exhibit I

   -   

Form of Security Agreement

Exhibit J

   -   

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Exhibit K

   -   

Form of Intercreditor Agreement

Exhibit L

   -   

Form of Intercompany Subordination Agreement

Exhibit M

   -   

Form of Solvency Certificate

Exhibit N

   -   

[Reserved]

Exhibit O

   -   

Form of Non-Bank Certificate

Exhibit P

   -   

Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit Q

   -   

[Reserved]

Exhibit R

   -   

Form of Customs Broker Agreement

 

vi


This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of March 7, 2011, among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Collateral Agent”) under the Loan Documents, and each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement (as this and other capitalized terms used in these preliminary statements are defined in Section 1.1 below), Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings (“Merger Sub”), will merge (the “Merger”) with and into the Company, with (i) subject to dissenters’ rights, the Merger Consideration being paid, and (ii) the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings.

The Borrower has requested that, substantially simultaneously with the consummation of the Merger, (i) the Lenders extend credit to the Borrower in the form of Loans on the Effective Date in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $250,000,000 pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) certain other lenders extend credit to the Borrower in the form of a Term Facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $1,200,000,000 pursuant to the Term Facility Credit Agreement.

On the Effective Date, (i) a portion of the Borrower’s cash on hand, (ii) borrowings under the Term Facility, (iii) the proceeds of the issuance of the Senior Notes (or, if and to the extent the Borrower does not, or is unable to, issue the Senior Notes generating gross proceeds of at least $400,000,000 on or before the Effective Date, the proceeds of loans under a bridge facility in the aggregate principal amount of at least $400,000,000, less the aggregate gross proceeds of the Senior Notes, if any, issued on or before the Effective Date) and (iv) the proceeds of the Equity Contribution will be used to finance the repayment of all amounts outstanding under the Existing ABL Facility and certain other existing Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and pay the Merger Consideration and the Transaction Expenses. The proceeds of Revolving Loans made after the Effective Date will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the financing of Permitted Acquisitions. Swing Loans and Letters of Credit will be used for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

The applicable Lenders have indicated their willingness to lend, and the Issuers have indicated their willingness to issue Letters of Credit, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

 

1


In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

SECTION 1.1 Defined Terms.

As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

Account” has the meaning given to such term in Article 9 of the UCC.

Account Debtor” has the meaning given to such term in Article 9 of the UCC.

ACH” means automated clearing house transfers.

Acquisition” means the acquisition of the Company pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement.

Additional Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15.

Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate” means, with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate. The Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate will be adjusted automatically as to all Eurocurrency Rate Loans then outstanding as of the effective date of any change in the Statutory Reserve Rate.

Adjustment Date” means the first day of each February, May, August and November, as applicable.

Administrative Agent” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent may from time to time designate one or more of its Affiliates or branches to perform the functions of the Administrative Agent in connection with Loans denominated in any currency other than Dollars, in which case references herein to the “Administrative Agent” shall, in connection with Loans denominated in any such currency, mean any Affiliate or branch so designated.

Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 12.8, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether

 

2


through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. For the avoidance of doubt, none of the Arrangers, the Agents or their respective lending affiliates or any entity acting as an Issuer hereunder shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries.

Agent Parties” has the meaning specified in Section 12.8(d).

Agent-Related Persons” means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, agents, attorney-in-fact, partners, trustees and advisors of such Persons and of such Persons’ Affiliates.

Agents” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Syndication Agent, each Co-Documentation Agent and each co-agent or sub-agent (if any) appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 11.5 and the Arrangers.

Aggregate Commitments” means the Revolving Credit Commitments of all the Lenders.

Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.

Agreement Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 12.10.

Alternative Currency” means Canadian Dollars or Euros, as applicable.

Alternative Currency Equivalent” means, at any time, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the equivalent amount thereof in the applicable Alternative Currency as determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as the case may be, at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined by the Administrative Agent in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date) for the purchase of such Alternative Currency with Dollars.

Annual Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of the Saturday closest to each of January 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the Company for the Fiscal Years then ended.

Applicable Indebtedness” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Weighted Average Life to Maturity”.

 

3


Applicable Margin” means a percentage per annum equal to (a) until the end of the first Fiscal Quarter ending after the Effective Date, (i) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans, 2.50%, (ii) for Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, 1.50% and (iii) for Letter of Credit fees, (i) in the case of standby Letters of Credit, 2.50% and (ii) in the case of documentary Letters of Credit, 1.25%, and (b) thereafter, the following percentages per annum, based upon Average Historical Excess Availability as of the most recent Adjustment Date:

 

Average Historical Excess Availability

   Applicable Margin for
Eurocurrency Loans,
BA Rate Loans and
Letter of Credit Fees
(Standby Letters of
Credit)
    Applicable Margin
for Base Rate
Loans and
Canadian Prime
Rate Loans
    Letter of Credit Fees
(Documentary Letters
of Credit)
 

> $145,000,000

     2.25     1.25     1.125

< $145,000,000 but > $62,500,000

     2.50     1.50     1.250

< $62,500,000

     2.75     1.75     1.375

The Applicable Margin shall be adjusted quarterly in accordance with the table above on each Adjustment Date for the period beginning on such Adjustment Date based upon the Average Historical Excess Availability as the Administrative Agent shall determine in good faith within ten (10) Business Days after such Adjustment Date. Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in the Average Historical Excess Availability shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the Adjustment Date.

Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 10.2 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule I or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Rate” means, for any day, a percentage per annum equal to (a) initially, 0.50% per annum and (b) following the end of the first Fiscal Quarter ending after the Effective Date, the following percentages per annum of the Aggregate Commitments, based upon Average Revolving Loan Utilization as of the most recent Adjustment Date:

 

Average Revolving Loan Utilization

   Unused Commitment Fee  

< 50%

     0.50

> 50%

     0.375

The Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Rate shall be adjusted quarterly on each Adjustment Date for the period beginning on such Adjustment Date based upon the Average Revolving Loan Utilization as the Administrative Agent shall determine in good faith within ten (10) Business Days after such Adjustment Date in accordance with the table above.

 

4


Appropriate Lender” means, at any time, with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class.

Approved Account Bank” means a financial institution at which the Borrower or a Guarantor maintains an Approved Deposit Account.

Approved Deposit Account” means each Deposit Account in respect of which a Loan Party shall have entered into a Deposit Account Control Agreement.

Approved Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.

Approved Securities Account” means each Securities Account in respect of which the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall have entered into a Securities Account Control Agreement.

Approved Securities Intermediary” means a securities intermediary at which the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor maintains an Approved Securities Account.

Arrangers” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger under this Agreement.

Asset Sale Proceeds Pledged Account” means an account held at, and subject to the sole dominion and control of, the collateral agent under the Term Facility Credit Agreement, in which the proceeds from any Disposition of non-Current Asset Collateral is held pending reinvestment pursuant to the Term Facility Credit Agreement.

Assignee Group” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Attorney Costs” means all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.

Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.

 

5


Availability Reserves” means, without duplication of any other reserves or items that are otherwise addressed or excluded through eligibility criteria, such reserves as the Administrative Agent from time to time determines in its Permitted Discretion as being appropriate (a) to reflect the impediments to the Agents’ ability to realize upon the Collateral, (b) to reflect claims and liabilities that the Administrative Agent determines will need to be satisfied in connection with the realization upon the Collateral or (c) to reflect criteria, events, conditions, contingencies or risks which adversely affect any component of the Borrowing Base, the Collateral or the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any material remedies of the Secured Parties hereunder or thereunder; provided that circumstances, conditions, events or contingencies existing or arising prior to the Effective Date and, in each case, disclosed in writing in any field examination or appraisal delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection herewith prior to the Effective Date shall not be the basis for any establishment of any reserves after the Effective Date, unless such circumstances, conditions, events or contingencies shall have changed in a material respect since the Effective Date. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Availability Reserves may include reserves based on: (i) rent; provided that such Availability Reserves shall be limited to an amount not to exceed the sum of (x) past due rent for all of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ leased locations plus (y) one (1) month’s rent for all of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ leased locations (A) located in the states of Washington, Virginia, Pennsylvania and all other Landlord Lien States or (B) that are distribution centers or warehouses, other than, in each case, such locations, distribution centers or warehouses with respect to which the Administrative Agent has received a Collateral Access Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; (ii) customs duties, and other costs to release Inventory which is being imported into the United States; (iii) outstanding Taxes and other governmental charges, including, ad valorem, real estate, personal property, sales, and other Taxes which have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Current Asset Collateral; (iv) salaries, wages and benefits due to employees of the Borrower which have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Current Asset Collateral, (v) Customer Credit Liabilities; (vi) warehousemen’s or bailee’s charges and other Liens permitted under Section 9.1 which might have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Current Asset Collateral; (vii) reserves in respect of Cash Management Obligations, provided that reserves of the type described in this clause (vii) in respect of such Cash Management Obligations shall require the consent of the Borrower; (viii) reserves in respect of Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements, provided that, if such Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements shall constitute Specified Secured Hedge Obligations, then reserves of the type described in this clause (viii) shall require the consent of the Borrower; and (ix) additional reserves in the Administrative Agent’s Permitted Discretion.

Average Historical Excess Availability” means, at any Adjustment Date, the average daily Excess Availability for the three-month period immediately preceding such Adjustment Date (or, in the case of the first Adjustment Date on May 1, 2011, the period from and including the Effective Date through the date immediately preceding such first Adjustment Date).

Average Revolving Loan Utilization” means, at any Adjustment Date, the average daily aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure (excluding any Revolving Credit Exposure resulting from any outstanding Swing Loans) for the three-month period immediately preceding such Adjustment Date (or, if less, the period from the Effective Date to such Adjustment Date), divided by the Aggregate Commitments at such time.

 

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BA Rate” means, with respect to each Interest Period for a BA Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the average offered rate for Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances having an identical term as the proposed BA Rate Loan displayed and identified as such on the display referred to as the “CDOR Page” (or any display substituted therefor) of Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service as at approximately 10:00 a.m. Toronto time on the first day of such Interest Period (or, if such day is not a Business Day, as of 10:00 a.m. Toronto time on the immediately preceding Business Day), provided that if such rate does not appear on the CDOR Page at such time on such date, the rate for such date will be the annual discount rate (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) as of 10:00 a.m. Toronto time on such day at which a Canadian chartered bank listed on Schedule 1 of the Bank Act (Canada) as selected by the Administrative Agent is then offering to purchase Canadian Dollar Bankers’ Acceptances accepted by it having such specified term.

BA Rate Loan” means any Revolving Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the BA Rate.

Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, acting in its individual capacity, and its successors and assigns.

Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate” and (c) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate on such day for an Interest Period of one (1) month plus 1.00% (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day). The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

Base Rate Loan” means any Loan during any period in which it bears interest based on the Base Rate.

BBA LIBOR” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Eurocurrency Rate”.

Borrower” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 7.2.

Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made, converted or continued on the same date in the same currency and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period.

Borrowing Base” means, at any time of calculation, an amount equal to:

(a) the face amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables multiplied by the Credit Card Advance Rate; plus

 

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(b) the face amount of Eligible Accounts multiplied by the Eligible Accounts Advance Rate; plus

(c) the Net Recovery Percentage of Eligible Inventory, multiplied by the Inventory Advance Rate multiplied by the Cost of Eligible Inventory, net of Inventory Reserves attributable to Eligible Inventory; plus

(d) the Net Recovery Percentage of Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory multiplied by the Letter of Credit Advance Rate, multiplied by the Cost of Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory, net of Inventory Reserves attributable to Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory; plus

(e) the Net Recovery Percentage of Eligible In-Transit Inventory multiplied by the In-Transit Advance Rate, multiplied by the Cost of Eligible In-Transit Inventory, net of Inventory Reserves attributable to Eligible In-Transit Inventory; plus

(f) 100% of Qualified Cash; minus

(g) the then amount of all Availability Reserves.

The Borrowing Base at any time shall be determined by reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 7.4, as adjusted to give effect to Reserves following such delivery; provided, that such Reserves shall not be established or changed except upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ notice to the Borrower (during which period the Administrative Agent shall be available to discuss any such proposed Reserve or change with the Borrower and the Borrower may take such action as may be required so that the event, condition or matter that is the basis for such Reserve or change no longer exists, in a manner and to the extent reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent); provided further that no such prior notice shall be required for changes to any Reserves resulting solely by virtue of mathematical calculations of the amount of the Reserves in accordance with the methodology of calculation previously utilized (such as, but not limited to, rent and Customer Credit Liabilities). The amount of any Reserve established by the Administrative Agent, and any change in the amount of any Reserve, shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition or other matter that is the basis for such Reserve or such change. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Reserves shall not duplicate eligibility criteria contained in the definition of Eligible Account, Eligible Credit Card Receivables, Eligible In-Transit Inventory, Eligible Inventory, Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory, Qualified Cash or any other Reserve then established.

Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit J.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the jurisdiction where the Administrative Agent’s Office with respect to Obligations is located and if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Dollars in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings in Dollars to be carried out pursuant to this

 

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Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in deposits in Dollars are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank Eurocurrency market; provided that when used in connection with a Loan denominated in Euros, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which commercial banks in the jurisdiction where the Administrative Agent’s principal Euro lending Affiliate or branch is located are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided further that when used in connection with a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which commercial banks in the jurisdiction where the Administrative Agent’s principal Canadian lending Affiliate or branch is located are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

Canadian Dollars” and “CDN $” means Canadian dollars, the lawful currency of Canada.

Canadian Prime Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the average offered rate for 30 day Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances that appears on the “CDOR Page” (or any display substituted therefor) or Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service as at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on that day, plus 0.50% per annum, and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its “prime rate” for loans in Canadian Dollars. The “prime rate” is a rate set by the Administrative Agent based upon various factors including its costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such rate announced by the Administrative Agent shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

Canadian Prime Rate Loan” means any Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars bearing interest computed by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate.

Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of (a) all amounts that would be reflected as additions to property, plant or equipment on a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP and (b) the value of all assets under Capitalized Leases incurred by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period; provided that the term “Capital Expenditures” shall not include (i) expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution, restoration or repair of assets to the extent financed with (x) insurance proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced, substituted, restored or repaired or (y) awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced, (ii) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment to the extent that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time, (iii) the purchase of plant, property or equipment or software to the extent financed with the proceeds of Dispositions that are not required to be applied to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.9(b), (iv) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and that actually are paid for, or reimbursed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash or Cash Equivalents, by a Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and for which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has

 

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provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation (other than rent) in respect of such expenditures to such Person or any other Person (whether before, during or after such period), (v) expenditures to the extent constituting any portion of a Permitted Acquisition, (vi) the purchase price of equipment purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (A) used or surplus equipment traded in at the time of such purchase and (B) the proceeds of a concurrent sale of used or surplus equipment, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, (vii) expenditures relating to the construction, acquisition, replacement, reconstruction, development, refurbishment, renovation or improvement of any property which has been transferred to a Person other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary during the same Fiscal Year in which such expenditures were made pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction to the extent of the cash proceeds received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to such sale-leaseback transaction or (viii) expenditures financed with the proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower or a capital contribution to the Borrower or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder.

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability in accordance with GAAP.

Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, an Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender (as applicable) and the Lenders, as collateral for Letter of Credit Obligations, Obligations in respect of Swing Loans, or obligations of Lenders to fund participations in respect of either thereof (as the context may require), cash (which the applicable Issuer may require to be in the same currency as the relevant Letter of Credit) or deposit account balances or, if the applicable Issuer or Swing Loan Lender benefitting from such collateral shall agree in its sole discretion, other credit support, in each case in an amount (taking into account potential currency fluctuations) and pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) the applicable Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender (as applicable). “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

Cash Dominion Period” means (a) each period beginning on the date that Excess Availability shall have been less than the greater of (x) 12.5% of the Maximum Credit and (y) $25,000,000, in either case, for five (5) consecutive Business Days, and ending on the date Excess Availability shall have been equal to or greater than the greater of (x) 12.5% of the Maximum Credit and (y) $25,000,000, in each case, for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or (b) upon the occurrence of a Specified Event of Default, the period that such Specified Event of Default shall be continuing; provided that a Cash Dominion Period may not deemed to have ended under this definition on more than three (3) occasions in any period of 365 consecutive days.

 

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Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary:

(a) Dollars, Euros or Canadian Dollars;

(b) in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary, such local currencies held by it from time to time in the ordinary course of business and not for speculation;

(c) readily marketable direct obligations issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(d) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000;

(e) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (c) and (d) above or clause (g) below entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (d) above;

(f) commercial paper rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within 12 months after the date of creation thereof;

(g) marketable short-term money market and similar highly liquid funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);

(h) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(i) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency); and

(j) investment funds investing substantially all of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (i) above.

 

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In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States, Cash Equivalents shall also include (i) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (a) through (j) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (ii) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (a) through (j) and in this paragraph.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clause (a) above, provided that such amounts are converted into Dollars as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

Cash Management Bank” means, as of any date of determination, any Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender on such date.

Cash Management Obligations” means obligations owed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Cash Management Bank in respect of or in connection with any Cash Management Services and designated by the Cash Management Bank and the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as “Cash Management Obligations”.

Cash Management Services” means any agreement or arrangement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit card processing, credit or debit card, purchase card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements.

Cash Receipts” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.12.

Cash Taxes” means, with respect to any Test Period, all taxes paid or payable in cash by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period.

Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty (excluding the taking effect after the date of this Agreement of a law, rule, regulation or treaty adopted prior to the date of this Agreement), (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority. It is understood and agreed that the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub.L. 111-203, H.R. 4173), all Laws relating thereto, all interpretations and applications thereof and any compliance by a Lender with any request or directive relating thereto, shall, for the purposes of this Agreement, be deemed to be adopted subsequent to the date hereof.

 

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Change of Control” means the earliest to occur of:

(a) (i) at any time prior to the consummation of a Qualifying IPO, the Permitted Holders ceasing to own, in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, at least a majority of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Holdings; or

(ii) at any time upon or after the consummation of a Qualifying IPO (1) any Person (other than a Permitted Holder) or (2) Persons (other than one or more Permitted Holders) constituting a “group” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its Subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under such Act), directly or indirectly, of Equity Interests representing more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Holdings and the percentage of aggregate ordinary voting power so held is greater than the percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the Equity Interests of Holdings beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate by the Permitted Holders;

unless, in the case of either clause (a)(i) or (a)(ii) above, the Permitted Holders have, at such time, the right or the ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election at least a majority of the board of directors of Holdings; or

(b) any “Change of Control” (or any comparable term) in any document pertaining to the Term Facility, the Senior Notes, the Senior Notes Indenture or any indenture governing notes issued in a Permitted Refinancing of the Senior Notes; or

(c) the Borrower ceases to be a direct wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings (or any successor of Holdings that (x) becomes the direct parent of the Borrower and owns no other direct Subsidiaries and (y) has expressly assumed (and is in compliance with) all the obligations of Holdings under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which Holdings is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

Class” (a) when used with respect to commitments, refers to whether such commitment is a Revolving Credit Commitment, an Extended Revolving Credit Commitment of a given Extension Series or a New Revolving Credit Commitment, (b) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Loans under Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Extension Series or Loans under New Revolving Credit Commitments and (c) when used with respect to Lenders, refers to whether such Lenders has a Loan or commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or commitments.

Closing Date Material Adverse Effect” means any effect, change, event or occurrence (whether or not constituting any breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement) that, individually or in the aggregate with all other effects, changes, events or occurrences (i) has a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, assets or financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) would or would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or delay the

 

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consummation of the Transactions; provided, however, that none of the following, and to the extent arising out of or resulting from the following, no other effect, change, event or occurrence, shall constitute or be taken into account, individually or in the aggregate, in determining whether a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect has occurred or may occur: any effect, change, event or occurrence (A) generally affecting (1) the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or (2) the economy, credit or financial or capital markets, in the United States or elsewhere in the world, including changes in interest or exchange rates, or (B) to the extent arising out of, resulting from or attributable to (1) changes in Law or in generally accepted accounting principles or in accounting standards after the date of the Merger Agreement or prospective changes in Law or in generally accepted accounting principles or in accounting standards, or any changes or prospective changes in the interpretation or enforcement of any of the foregoing, or any changes or prospective changes in general legal, regulatory or political conditions, (2) the negotiation, execution or announcement of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions (other than for purposes of any representation or warranty contained in Section 3.3(c) and Section 3.4 of the Merger Agreement), including the impact thereof on relationships, contractual or otherwise, with customers, suppliers, distributors, partners, employees or regulators, or any litigation arising from allegations of breach of fiduciary duty or violation of Law relating to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (3) acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, or any escalation or worsening of any such acts of war (whether or not declared), sabotage or terrorism, (4) pandemics, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados or other natural disasters, (5) any action taken by the Company or its Subsidiaries that is described in, and permitted to be taken without consent under, clauses (i) through (xviii) of Section 5.1(a) of the Merger Agreement, that were taken at the Parent’s written request or upon its advance written consent pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Merger Agreement (in each case, with the consent of the Arrangers) or the failure by the Company or its Subsidiaries to take any action that is prohibited by the Merger Agreement to the extent Parent fails to give its consent thereto (and such failure is the result of the Arrangers refusing to consent, after the request of the Parent, to Parent giving such consent) after a written request therefor pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Merger Agreement, (6) any change resulting or arising from the identity of, or any facts or circumstances relating to, Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates, (7) any change or prospective change in the Company’s credit ratings, (8) any decline in the market price, or change in trading volume, of the capital stock of the Company or (9) any failure to meet any internal or public projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates, milestones, budgets or internal or published financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position (it being understood that the exceptions in clauses (7), (8) and (9) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that the underlying cause of any such decline or failure referred to therein (if not otherwise falling within any of the exceptions provided by clause (A) and clauses (B)(1) through (6) hereof) is a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect); provided further, however, that any effect, change, event or occurrence referred to in clauses (A) or (B)(1), (3) or (4) may be taken into account in determining whether or not there has been a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect to the extent such effect, change, event or occurrence has a materially disproportionate adverse affect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate (in which case the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether or not there has been or may be a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect). For purposes of this definition, “Company”, “Subsidiaries”, “Transactions”, “Laws”, “Parent”, “Merger Sub” and “Affiliates” shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Merger Agreement.

 

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Co-Documentation Agents” means HSBC Bank USA, N.A., SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, each as a Co-Documentation Agent under this Agreement.

Co-Investor” means any of (a) the assignees, if any, of the equity commitments of any Sponsor who become holders of Equity Interests in the Borrower (or any of the direct or indirect parent companies of the Borrower) on the Effective Date in connection with the Acquisition and (b) the transferees, if any, that acquire, within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date, any Equity Interests in the Borrower (or any of the direct or indirect parent companies of the Borrower) held by any Sponsor as of the Effective Date.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations thereunder.

Collateral” means all the “Collateral” (or equivalent term) as defined in any Collateral Document and shall include the Mortgaged Properties.

Collateral Agent” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Collateral Access Agreement” means an agreement reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent executed by, as the case may be, (a) a bailee or other Person in possession of Collateral, and (b) any landlord of any premises leased by any Loan Party, pursuant to which such Person (i) acknowledges the Collateral Agent’s Lien on the Collateral, (ii) releases or subordinates such Person’s Liens in the Collateral held by such Person or located on such premises, (iii) agrees to provide the Collateral Agent with access to the Collateral held by such bailee or other Person or located in or on such premises for the purpose of conducting field examinations, appraisals or Liquidation and (iv) makes such other agreements with the Collateral Agent as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.

Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” means, at any time, the requirement that:

(a) the Collateral Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Effective Date pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(iv) or pursuant to Section 8.11, Section 8.12 or Section 8.13 at such time, duly executed by each Loan Party thereto;

(b) all Obligations shall have been unconditionally guaranteed by Holdings, each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Material Domestic Subsidiary and not an Excluded Subsidiary, including those Subsidiaries that are listed on Schedule II hereto (each such guarantor, a “Guarantor”) and any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that Guarantees the Senior Notes, any Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower pursuant to the Term Facility or any Junior Financing (or, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof) shall be a Guarantor hereunder;

 

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(c) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a perfected first-priority security interest (subject only to non-consensual Liens permitted by Section 9.1 and Liens permitted under Section 9.1 (including under clause (w) thereof) securing Obligations (as defined under the Term Facility Credit Agreement) or any Permitted Refinancing thereof (in each case, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement)) in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower, (ii) all Equity Interests of each direct, Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary (other than a Domestic Subsidiary described in the following clause (iii)(A)) that is directly owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor and (iii) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of (A) each Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary that is directly owned by the Borrower or by any Subsidiary Guarantor and that is a disregarded entity for United States Federal income tax purposes substantially all of the assets of which consist of Equity Interests in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and (B) each Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary that is directly owned by the Borrower or by any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(d) except to the extent otherwise provided hereunder, including subject to Liens permitted by Section 9.1, or under any Collateral Document, the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a perfected first-priority security interest (to the extent such security interest may be perfected by delivering certificated securities, filing financing statements under the UCC or making any necessary filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office) in substantially all tangible and intangible personal property of the Borrower and each Guarantor (including accounts (other than deposit accounts except as required by Section 8.12 of this Agreement, other bank or securities accounts or the Asset Sale Proceeds Pledged Account), Inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, applications and registrations of intellectual property filed in the United States, other general intangibles, and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents, in each case subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents; provided that any such security interests in Collateral shall be subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement;

(e) the Collateral Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each Material Real Property listed on Schedule 1.1D or required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 8.11 and 8.13(b) (the “Mortgaged Properties”) duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property, (ii) a policy or policies of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a valid Lien on the property described therein, free of any other Liens except as expressly permitted by Section 9.1, together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, and (iii) such surveys, abstracts and appraisals and such customary legal opinions and other documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request with respect to any such Mortgaged Property.

The foregoing definition shall not require the creation or perfection of pledges of or security interests in, or the obtaining of title insurance, surveys, abstracts or appraisals with respect to, particular assets if and for so long as, in the reasonable judgment of the Collateral Agent and the Borrower, the cost of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance, surveys, abstracts or appraisals in respect of such assets shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom.

 

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The Collateral Agent may grant extensions of time for the perfection of security interests in or the obtaining of title insurance and surveys with respect to particular assets (including extensions beyond the Effective Date for the perfection of security interests in the assets of the Loan Parties on such date) where it reasonably determines, in consultation with the Borrower, that perfection cannot be accomplished without undue effort or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Collateral Documents.

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, the Mortgages, each of the mortgages, collateral assignments, the Security Agreement Supplements, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Agents and the Lenders pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(iv), Section 8.11, Section 8.12 or Section 8.13, the Guaranty, each Lien Acknowledgment Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien or Guarantee in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

Company” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit P and which certificate shall in any event be a certificate of the chief financial officer (a) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and is continuing and, if applicable, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (b) setting forth a reasonably detailed calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period, and (c) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations, in the case of financial statements delivered under Section 7.1, beginning with the financial statements for the Fiscal Year of the Borrower ending January 28, 2012, of the Net Cash Proceeds received during the applicable period by or on behalf of, Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Disposition subject to prepayment pursuant to Section 2.9.

Concentration Account” has the meaning specified in Section 8.12(b).

Consolidated” means, with respect to any Person, the consolidation of accounts of such Person and any other Person in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense of such Person, including the amortization of deferred financing fees or costs for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period,

(a) increased by (without duplication):

(i) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, plus franchise or similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes, of such Person for such period deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus

 

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(ii) (A) total interest expense of such Person for such period and (B) bank fees and costs of surety bonds, in each case under this clause (B), in connection with financing activities and, in each case under clauses (A) and (B), to the extent the same was deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus

(iii) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent such depreciation and amortization were deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus

(iv) any expenses or charges related to any issuance of Equity Interests, Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder including a refinancing thereof (whether or not successful) and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transactions, including such fees, expenses or charges related to the Transaction, in each case, deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(v) the amount of any restructuring charge or reserve deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with (A) Permitted Acquisitions after the Effective Date or (B) the closing of any Stores or distribution centers after the Effective Date, plus

(vi) the amount of costs relating to pre-opening and opening costs for Stores, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, consolidation and closing costs for Stores and costs incurred in connection with non-recurring product and intellectual property development after the Effective Date, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs), and new systems design and implementation costs and project start-up costs in an aggregate amount for all items added pursuant to this clause (vi) not to exceed $25,000,000 in any period of four-consecutive Fiscal Quarters, plus

(vii) any other non-cash charges including any write-offs or write downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (1) the Borrower may determine not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (2) to the extent the Borrower does decide to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period), plus

(viii) the amount of any minority interest expense deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, plus

(ix) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Sponsor Management Agreement or otherwise to the Sponsors to the extent permitted under Section 9.8 and deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus

(x) the amount of net cost savings and synergies (other than any of the foregoing related to Specified Transactions) projected by the Borrower in good faith to result from actions taken or expected to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings and synergies had been realized on

 

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the first day of the period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable and (B) the aggregate amount of cost savings and synergies added pursuant to this clause (x) for any Test Period shall not exceed, after the Effective Date, the greater of (x) $30,000,000 and (y) 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period (calculated prior to giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this clause (x)), plus

(xi) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to paragraph (b) below for any previous period and not added back, plus

(xii) any costs or expenses incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or stockholders agreement, to the extent that such costs or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interests);

(b) decreased by (without duplication);

(i) any non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any gains that represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period (other than such cash charges that have been added back to Consolidated Net Income in calculating Consolidated EBITDA in accordance with this definition); plus

(ii) any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period unless such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period.

Consolidated Net Cash Interest Expense” means, with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for any period, determined in accordance with GAAP, (a) total interest expense paid or payable in cash in such period (including that attributable to obligations with respect to Capitalized Leases in accordance with GAAP in effect on the Effective Date but excluding any imputed interest as a result of purchase accounting) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis and all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, but excluding (i) any non-cash interest or deferred financing costs, (ii) any amortization or write-down of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, discounted liabilities, commissions, fees and expenses, (iii) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and (iv) penalties and interest related to Taxes minus (b) interest income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries actually received in cash during such period. For purposes of the foregoing, interest expense of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be determined after giving effect to any net payments made or received by such Persons with respect to interest rate Swap Contracts.

 

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Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that, without duplication:

(a) any net after-tax extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses, and Transaction Expenses, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs (other than with respect to Stores), severance costs and expenses and one-time compensation charges, shall be excluded,

(b) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, whether effected through a cumulative effect adjustment or a retroactive application in each case in accordance with GAAP,

(c) effects of adjustments (including the effect of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries) in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP (including in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items thereof) resulting from the application of recapitalization accounting or purchase accounting, as the case may be, in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(d) any net after-tax income (loss) from disposed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(e) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Borrower, shall be excluded,

(f) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

(g) [reserved],

(h) (i) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from obligations in respect of Swap Contracts and the application of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 (Derivatives and Hedging), (ii) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including the net loss or gain (A) resulting from Swap Contracts for currency exchange risk and (B) resulting from intercompany Indebtedness) and all other foreign currency translation gains or losses to the extent such gain or losses are non-cash items, and (iii) any net after-tax income (loss) for such period attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of (A) Indebtedness, (B) obligations under any Swap Contracts or (C) other derivative instruments, shall be excluded,

 

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(i) any impairment charge or asset write-off, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(j) any expenses, charges or losses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Investment, Permitted Acquisition or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement, to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement and only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365 days), shall be excluded,

(k) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within such 365 days), expenses, charges or losses with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be excluded, and

(l) any non-cash (for such period and all other periods) compensation charge or expense, including any such charge or expense arising from the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights or equity incentive programs shall be excluded, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by, or to, management of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, shall be excluded.

Consolidated Total Debt” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transaction, any Permitted Acquisition or any other Investment permitted hereunder), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, unreimbursed obligations in respect of drawn letters of credit, obligations in respect of Capitalized Leases and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments; provided that Consolidated Total Debt shall not include Indebtedness in respect of (i) any letter of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed obligations in respect of drawn letters of credit (provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Debt until three (3) Business Days after such amount is drawn (it being understood that any borrowing, whether automatic or otherwise, to fund such reimbursement shall be counted)) and (ii) obligations under Swap Contracts.

 

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Constituent Documents” means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

Cost” means the cost of purchases of Inventory determined according to the accounting policies used in the preparation of the Borrower’s financial statements.

Covenant Trigger Event” means that Excess Availability on any day is less than the greater of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) 12.5% of the Maximum Credit. For purposes hereof, the occurrence of a Covenant Trigger Event shall be deemed to be continuing until Excess Availability is equal to or greater than the greater of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) 12.5% of the Maximum Credit, in each case, for thirty (30) consecutive days, in which case a Covenant Trigger Event shall no longer be deemed to be continuing for purposes of this Agreement.

Credit Card Advance Rate” means 90%.

Credit Card Agreements” means all agreements now or hereafter entered into by the Borrower or any Guarantor for the benefit of the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case with any Credit Card Issuer or any Credit Card Processor, as the same now exist or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced, including, but not limited to, the agreements set forth on Schedule 1.1E hereto.

Credit Card Issuer” means any Person (other than the Borrower or a Guarantor) who issues or whose members issue credit cards, including MasterCard or VISA bank credit or debit cards or other bank credit or debit cards issued through MasterCard International, Inc., Visa, U.S.A., Inc. or Visa International and American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche and other non-bank credit or debit cards, including credit or debit cards issued by or through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., Novus Services, Inc. and the J. Crew Card.

Credit Card Notification” means, collectively, the notices to Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card Processors who are parties to Credit Card Agreements in substantially the form delivered under the Existing ABL Facility and which Credit Card Notifications shall require the ACH or wire transfer no less frequently than each Business Day (and whether or not there are then any outstanding Obligations) to an Approved Deposit Account of all payments due from Credit Card Processors.

 

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Credit Card Processor” means any servicing or processing agent or any factor or financial intermediary who facilitates, services, processes or manages the credit authorization, billing transfer and/or payment procedures with respect to the Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s sales transactions involving credit card or debit card purchases by customers using credit cards or debit cards issued by any Credit Card Issuer.

Credit Card Receivables” means, collectively, (a) all present and future rights of the Borrower or any Guarantor to payment from any Credit Card Issuer, Credit Card Processor or other third party arising from sales of goods or rendition of services to customers who have purchased such goods or services using a credit or debit card and (b) all present and future rights of the Borrower or any Guarantor to payment from any Credit Card Issuer, Credit Card Processor or other third party in connection with the sale or transfer of Accounts arising pursuant to the sale of goods or rendition of services to customers who have purchased such goods or services using a credit card or a debit card, including, but not limited to, all amounts at any time due or to become due from any Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor under the Credit Card Agreements or otherwise, in each case above calculated net of prevailing interchange charges.

Credit Extension” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) a L/C Credit Extension.

Cure Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 10.4(b).

Current Asset Collateral” means all the “ABL Priority Collateral” as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Customer Credit Liabilities” means, at any time, the aggregate remaining balance at such time of (a) outstanding gift certificates and gift cards of the Borrower entitling the holder thereof to use all or a portion of the certificate or gift card to pay all or a portion of the purchase price for any Inventory and (b) outstanding merchandise credits of the Borrower, in each case, net of any dormancy reserves maintained by the Company on its books and records in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices.

Customs Broker Agreement” means an agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit R (or such other form as may be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) among a Loan Party, a customs broker, freight forwarder or other carrier, and the Collateral Agent, in which the customs broker, freight forwarder or other carrier acknowledges that it has control over and holds the documents evidencing ownership of, or other shipping documents relating to, the subject Inventory or other property for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, and agrees, upon notice from the Collateral Agent (which notice shall be delivered only upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default), to hold and dispose of the subject Inventory and other property solely as directed by the Collateral Agent.

Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

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Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a)(i) in the case of any amount denominated in Dollars, the Base Rate, (ii) in the case of any amount denominated in Canadian Dollars, the Canadian Prime Rate, or (iii) in the case of any amount denominated in Euros, the Eurocurrency Rate, plus (b) 2.0% per annum; provided that with respect to the outstanding principal amount of any Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Margin) otherwise applicable to such Loan (giving effect to Section 2.11) plus 2.0% per annum, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.16(b), any Lender that, as determined by the Administrative Agent, (a) has failed to perform any of its funding obligations hereunder, including in respect of its Loans or participations in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Loans, within three (3) Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations hereunder or under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that it will comply with its funding obligations (provided that any Lender that has failed to give such timely confirmation shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender under this clause (c) upon receipt of such confirmation by the Administrative Agent), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or a custodian appointed for it, or (iii) taken any action in furtherance of, or indicated its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority.

Deposit Account” means any checking or other demand deposit account maintained by the Loan Parties, including any “deposit accounts” under Article 9 of the UCC. All funds in such Deposit Accounts shall be conclusively presumed to be Collateral and proceeds of Collateral and the Agent and the Lenders shall have no duty to inquire as to the source of the amounts on deposit in the Deposit Accounts, subject to the Security Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement.

Deposit Account Control Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 8.12(a).

 

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Designated Non-Cash Consideration” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Disposition pursuant to Section 9.5(j) that is designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation (which amount will be reduced by the fair market value of the portion of the non-cash consideration converted to cash within one-hundred eighty (180) days following the consummation of the applicable Disposition).

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments and all outstanding Letters of Credit (unless the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuer)), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date of the Loans at the time of issuance; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Holdings, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

Document” has the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Documentary Letter of Credit” means any Letter of Credit that is drawable upon presentation of documents evidencing the sale or shipment of goods purchased by the Borrower or a Guarantor in the ordinary course of its business.

Dollar Equivalent” means, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in any Alternative Currency, the equivalent amount thereof in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as the case may be, at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date) for the purchase of Dollars with such Alternative Currency.

 

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Dollars” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.

Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 4.1.

Eligible Accounts” means, as of any date of determination thereof, the aggregate amount of all Accounts due to the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor, except to the extent that (determined without duplication):

(a) such Account does not arise from the sale of goods or the performance of services by the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor in the ordinary course of its business;

(b) (i) the Borrower’s or Subsidiary Guarantor’s right to receive payment is not absolute or is contingent upon the fulfillment of any condition whatsoever (other than the preparation and delivery of an invoice) or (ii) as to which such Person is not able to bring suit or otherwise enforce its remedies against the Account Debtor through judicial process;

(c) any defense, counterclaim, set-off or dispute exists as to such Account, but only to the extent of such defense, counterclaim, set-off or dispute;

(d) such Account is not a true and correct statement of bona fide indebtedness incurred in the amount of the Account for merchandise sold to or services rendered and accepted by the applicable Account Debtor;

(e) an invoice, reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent in form and substance or otherwise in the form otherwise required by any Account Debtor, has not been sent to the applicable Account Debtor in respect of such Account on or before the date as of which such Account is first included in the Borrowing Base Certificate or otherwise reported to the Administrative Agent as Collateral;

(f) such Account (i) is not owned by the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor or (ii) is not subject to the first priority, valid and perfected security interest and Lien of Administrative Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Lenders (subject to Liens permitted under Section 9.1 having priority by operation of applicable Law over the Liens of the Collateral Agent) or (iii) is subject to any other Lien (other than (x) Liens permitted hereunder pursuant to clauses (a), (c), (d), (h) and (aa) of Section 9.1 and (y) Liens permitted under Section 9.1 (including clause (w) thereof) securing the Obligations (as defined under the Term Facility Credit Agreement) (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement)) (the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii) (other than in respect of the immediately foregoing clause (y)) not being intended to limit the ability of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Reserves in its Permitted Discretion on account of any such permitted Liens);

(g) such Account is the obligation of an Account Debtor that is (i) a director, officer, other employee or Affiliate of the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor or (ii) a natural person; provided that this clause (g) shall not exclude any Account of an Account Debtor solely on the basis that it is a portfolio company of any Sponsor;

 

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(h) such Account is the obligation of an Account Debtor that is any Governmental Authority;

(i) Accounts subject to a partial payment plan;

(j) the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor is liable for goods sold or services rendered by the applicable Account Debtor to the Borrower but only to the extent of the potential offset;

(k) the Account is not paid on or prior to ninety (90) days following the original invoice date;

(l) the Account is not paid on or prior to sixty (60) days following the date on which such Account was due;

(m) such Account is the obligation of an Account Debtor from whom 50% or more of the amount of all Accounts owing by that Account Debtor are ineligible under the criteria set forth in this definition;

(n) any of the representations or warranties in the Loan Documents with respect to such Account are untrue in any material respect with respect to such Account (or, with respect to representations or warranties that are qualified by materiality, any of such representations and warranties are untrue);

(o) such Account is evidenced by chattel paper or an instrument of any kind, or has been reduced to judgment;

(p) such Account, together with all other Accounts owing by such Account Debtor and its Affiliates as of any date of determination, exceeds the greater of (i) 25% of all Eligible Accounts and (ii) 15% of the Borrowing Base (but, in each case, only to the extent of such excess);

(q) such Account is payable in any currency other than Dollars or Canadian Dollars;

(r) such Account has been redated, extended, compromised, settled or otherwise modified or discounted, except discounts or modifications that are granted by the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor in the ordinary course of business and that are reflected in the calculation of the Borrowing Base;

(s) such Account is of an Account Debtor that is located in a state requiring the filing of a notice of business activities report or similar report in order to permit the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor to seek judicial enforcement in such state of payment of such Account, unless the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor has qualified to do business in such state or has filed a notice of business activities report or equivalent report for the then-current year or if such failure to file and inability to seek judicial enforcement is capable of being remedied without any material delay or material cost;

 

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(t) such Account was acquired or originated by a Person acquired in a Permitted Acquisition (until such time as the Administrative Agent has completed a customary due diligence investigation as to such Accounts and such Person, which investigation may, at the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent, include a field examination, and the Administrative Agent is satisfied with the results thereof in its Permitted Discretion);

(u) Account Debtor is subject to an event of the type described in Section 10.1(f);

(v) such Account represents a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale and return, sale on approval, consignment or other repurchase or return basis;

(w) the Account Debtor is organized or has its principal offices or assets outside the United States or Canada, unless such Account is backed by a letter of credit reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (which is issued by a bank reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) and such letter of credit is subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent;

(x) [reserved];

(y) the portion, if any, of any Account that includes a billing for interest, fees or late charges; or

(z) such Account constitutes a Credit Card Receivable.

Eligible Accounts Advance Rate” means 85%.

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 12.2(b)(iii) and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 12.2(b)(ii)).

Eligible Credit Card Receivables” means, as to the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor, Credit Card Receivables of such Person which satisfy the criteria set forth below:

(a) such Credit Card Receivables arise from the actual and bona fide sale and delivery of goods or rendition of services by such Person in the ordinary course of the business of such Person;

(b) such Credit Card Receivables are not past due (beyond any stated applicable grace period, if any, therefor) pursuant to the terms set forth in the Credit Card Agreements with the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor of the credit card or debit card used in the purchase which give rise to such Credit Card Receivables;

(c) such Credit Card Receivables are not unpaid more than five (5) Business Days after the date of the sale of Inventory giving rise to such Credit Card Receivables;

 

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(d) the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor obligated in respect of such Credit Card Receivable has not failed to remit any monthly payment in respect of such Credit Card Receivable;

(e) the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor with respect to such Credit Card Receivables has not asserted a counterclaim, defense or dispute against such Credit Card Receivables (other than customary set-offs to fees and chargebacks consistent with the practices of such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor with such Person from time to time), but the portion of the Credit Card Receivables owing by such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor in excess of the amount owing by such Person to such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor pursuant to such fees and chargebacks shall be deemed Eligible Credit Card Receivables;

(f) the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor with respect to such Credit Card Receivables has not set off against amounts otherwise payable by such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor to such Person for the purpose of establishing a reserve or collateral for obligations of such Person to such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor (other than customary set-offs and chargebacks consistent with the practices of such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor from time to time) but the portion of the Credit Card Receivables owing by such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor in excess of the set-off amounts shall be deemed Eligible Credit Card Receivables;

(g) such Credit Card Receivables (x) are owned by the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor and such Person has a good title to such Credit Card Receivables, (y) are subject to the first priority, valid and perfected security interest and Lien of Administrative Agent (subject only to Liens permitted under Section 9.1 having priority by operation of applicable Law over the Liens of the Collateral Agent), for and on behalf of itself and Lenders, as to such Credit Card Receivables of such Person and (z) are not subject to any other Lien (other than (1) Liens permitted hereunder pursuant to clauses (a), (c), (d), (h) and (aa) of Section 9.1 and (2) Liens permitted under Section 9.1 (including clause (w) thereof) securing the Obligations (as defined under the Term Facility Credit Agreement) (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement)) (the foregoing clauses (y) and (z) (other than in respect of the immediately foregoing clause (2)) not being intended to limit the ability of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Reserves in its Permitted Discretion on account of any such permitted Liens);

(h) the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor with respect to such Credit Card Receivables is not subject to an event of the type described in Section 10.1(f);

(i) no event of default has occurred under the Credit Card Agreement of such Person with the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor who has issued the credit card or debit card or handles payments under the credit card or debit card used in the sale which gave rise to such Credit Card Receivables which event of default gives such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor the right to cease or suspend payments to such Person;

 

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(j) the customer using the credit card or debit card giving rise to such Credit Card Receivable shall not have returned the merchandise purchased giving rise to such Credit Card Receivable;

(k) to the extent required by Section 8.12(b), the Credit Card Receivables are subject to Credit Card Notifications;

(l) the Credit Card Processor is organized and has its principal offices or assets within the United States or Canada or is otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

(m) such Credit Card Receivables are not evidenced by chattel paper or an instrument of any kind, and have not been reduced to judgment;

(n) the portion of such Credit Card Receivables that does not include a billing for interest, fees or late charges; and

(o) in the case of a Credit Card Receivable due from a Credit Card Processor (other than Bank of America, Paymentech, LLC, First Data, Alliance Data or any of their respective Affiliates), the Administrative Agent has not notified the Borrower that the Administrative Agent has determined in its Permitted Discretion that such Credit Card Receivable is unlikely to be collected.

Credit Card Receivables which would otherwise constitute Eligible Credit Card Receivables pursuant to this Section will not be deemed ineligible solely by virtue of the Credit Card Agreements with respect thereto having been entered into by any Guarantor, for the benefit of Borrower. Any Credit Card Receivables which are not Eligible Credit Card Receivables shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

Eligible In-Transit Inventory” means, as of any date of determination, without duplication of other Eligible Inventory or Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory, Inventory of the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor which meets the following criteria:

(a) such Inventory has been shipped from any foreign location to a United States or Canadian location for receipt by the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor within sixty (60) days of the date of determination and has not yet been received by the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor,

(b) the purchase order for such Inventory is in the name of the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor and title has passed to the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor,

(c) either (i) such Inventory is subject to a negotiable document of title, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which shall, except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, have been endorsed to the Administrative Agent or an agent acting on its behalf or (ii) such Inventory is evidenced by a non-negotiable document of title in form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, or other shipping document reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which names the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor as consignee,

 

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(d) during the continuation of any In-Transit Trigger Period, (i) each relevant freight carrier, freight forwarder, customs broker, shipping company or other Person in possession of such Inventory and/or the documents relating to such Inventory, in each case, as reasonably requested by Administrative Agent, shall have entered into a Customs Broker Agreement and (ii) as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, the documents relating to such Inventory shall be in the possession of the Administrative Agent or an agent (or sub-agent) acting on its behalf,

(e) such Inventory is insured in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including marine cargo insurance,

(f) such Inventory is subject, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, to a first priority perfected security interest in and lien upon such Inventory in favor of the Administrative Agent (except for any possessory lien upon such goods in the possession of a freight carrier or shipping company securing only the freight charges for the transportation of such goods to the Borrower or Subsidiary Guarantor), and

(g) such Inventory is not excluded from the definition of Eligible Inventory (except solely pursuant to clauses (f), (j), (o), (p), (x) and (y) thereof); provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion and upon notice to the Borrower, exclude any particular Inventory from the definition of “Eligible In-Transit Inventory” in the event that the Administrative Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion and upon notice to the Borrower that such Inventory is subject to any Person’s right or claim which is (or is capable of being) senior to, or pari passu with, the Lien of the Collateral Agent (such as, without limitation, a right of reclamation or stoppage in transit), as applicable, or may otherwise adversely impact the ability of the Collateral Agent to realize upon such Inventory.

Eligible In-Transit Inventory shall not include Inventory accounted for as “in transit” by the Borrower by virtue of such Inventory’s being in transit between the Loan Parties’ locations or in storage trailers at Loan Parties’ locations; rather such Inventory shall be treated as “Eligible Inventory” if it satisfies the conditions therefor.

Eligible Inventory” means, as to the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor, Inventory consisting of finished goods merchantable and readily saleable to the public in the ordinary course of the business of such Person but shall not include:

(a) work-in-process;

(b) raw materials;

(c) spare parts for equipment;

(d) packaging and shipping materials;

 

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(e) supplies used or consumed in such Person’s business;

(f) Inventory (other than In-Transit Inventory as described in clause (x) below) located at premises owned and operated by a Person other than, and not leased by, the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor, if the Administrative Agent shall not have received a Collateral Access Agreement from the owner and operator with respect to such location, duly authorized, executed and delivered by such owner and operator (or the Administrative Agent shall determine to accept a Collateral Access Agreement that does not include all required provisions or provisions in the form otherwise required by the Administrative Agent), unless the Administrative Agent has, at its option, established such Availability Reserves in respect of amounts at any time due or to become due to the owner and operator thereof as the Administrative Agent shall determine in its Permitted Discretion;

(g) [reserved];

(h) bill and hold goods;

(i) obsolete, unmerchantable, “seconds”, used, unfit for sale or slow moving Inventory;

(j) Inventory (i) which is not subject to the first priority, valid and perfected security interest of the Collateral Agent (subject only to Liens permitted under Section 9.1 having priority by operation of applicable Law over the Liens of the Collateral Agent) or (ii) which is subject to any other Lien (other than (x) Liens permitted hereunder pursuant to clauses (a), (c), (d), (h), (q) and (aa) of Section 9.1 and (y) Liens permitted under Section 9.1 (including clause (w) thereof) securing the Obligations (as defined under the Term Facility Credit Agreement) (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement)) (the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) (other than in respect of the immediately foregoing clause (y)) not being intended to limit the ability of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Reserves in its Permitted Discretion on account of any such permitted Liens);

(k) damaged and/or defective Inventory;

(l) returned Inventory which is not held for sale in the ordinary course of business;

(m) Inventory purchased or sold on consignment;

(n) Inventory acquired in a Permitted Acquisition, unless (i) such Inventory otherwise meets the requirements of Eligible Inventory and (ii) the Administrative Agent has completed or received (A) an appraisal of such Inventory from appraisers reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and established Inventory Reserves (if applicable) therefor and (B) such other due diligence as the Administrative Agent may require in its Permitted Discretion, all of the results of the foregoing to be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion (provided, it is agreed that so long as the Administrative Agent has received reasonable prior notice of such Permitted

 

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Acquisition and the Loan Parties reasonably cooperate (and cause the Person being acquired to reasonably cooperate) with the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall use reasonable best efforts to complete such due diligence and a related appraisal on or prior to the closing date of such Permitted Acquisition);

(o) Inventory that is not solely owned by the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Loan Party does not have good and valid title thereto;

(p) Inventory that is not located in the United States (excluding territories or possessions of the United States) or Canada; provided that Inventory located in Canada shall not account for more than 10% of Eligible Inventory at any time (or such greater percentage as the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion may establish in consultation with the Borrower pursuant to its receipt of a recent appraisal thereof from an appraiser and in form and detail reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent);

(q) custom items;

(r) spare parts, promotional, marketing, packaging and shipping materials or supplies used or consumed in a Loan Party’s business;

(s) samples, labels, bags, packaging, and other similar non-merchandise categories;

(t) are not in material compliance with all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Inventory, its use or sale;

(u) Inventory that is not insured in compliance with this Agreement;

(v) Inventory that has been sold but not yet delivered or as to which the Borrower has accepted a deposit;

(w) Inventory that is subject to any licensing, patent, royalty, trademark, trade name or copyright agreement with any third party from which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of a dispute in respect of any such agreement (but ineligibility shall be limited to the amount of such dispute);

(x) In-Transit Inventory and Letter of Credit Inventory; and

(y) Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, Inventory that represents goods that do not conform in all material respects to the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any of the Collateral Documents.

Any Inventory which is not Eligible Inventory shall nevertheless be part of the Collateral.

 

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Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory” means Letter of Credit Inventory owned or to be owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor and which is (a) when applicable, fully insured and subject to the first priority, valid and perfected security interest and Lien of the Collateral Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Lenders, (b) subject to a Letter of Credit with an expiry date that is not more than sixty (60) days from the date of the most recently delivered Borrowing Base Certificate and (c) Inventory that, when received, would otherwise satisfy all of the requirements of Eligible Inventory hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory is without duplication of Eligible In-Transit Inventory.

EMU Legislation” means the legislative measures of the European Council for the introduction of, changeover to or operation of a single or unified European currency.

Entitlement Holder” has the meaning given to such term in Article 8 of the UCC.

Entitlement Order” has the meaning given to such term in Article 8 of the UCC.

Environmental Claim” means any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (other than internal reports prepared by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (a) in the ordinary course of such Person’s business or (b) as required in connection with a financing transaction or an acquisition or disposition of real estate) or proceedings with respect to any Environmental Liability (hereinafter “Claims”), including (i) any and all Claims by governmental or regulatory authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages pursuant to any Environmental Law and (ii) any and all Claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Environmental Laws” means any and all Laws relating to the protection of the environment or, to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials, human health.

Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities) of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

Equity Contribution” means, collectively, (a) the contribution by the Sponsors, the Co-Investors and the Management Stockholders of an aggregate amount of cash, which, together with any rollover equity, will constitute an aggregate amount (together with any amounts otherwise paid to existing equity holders for Equity Interests in the Borrower in connection with the Transaction) sufficient, after taking into account the proceeds of the Facility and any Senior Notes received on the Effective Date and cash on hand of the Borrower, to fund the total amount required to finance the Transaction to Holdings or one or more direct or indirect holding company parents of Holdings, and (b) the further contribution to Merger Sub of any portion of such cash contribution proceeds not directly received by Merger Sub or used by Holdings to pay Transaction Expenses.

 

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Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that together with any Loan Party is treated as a single employer within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.

ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as a termination under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates from a Multiemployer Plan, written notification of any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or written notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or is in reorganization within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA; (d) the filing under Section 4041(c) of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan, the treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, other than for the payment of plan contributions or PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates, (f) the application for a minimum funding waiver under Section 302(c) of ERISA with respect to a Pension Plan, (g) the imposition of a lien under Section 303(k) of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan or (h) a determination that any Pension Plan is in “at risk” status (within the meaning of Section 303 of ERISA).

Euro”, “Euros”, “EUR” or “€” shall mean the lawful currency of the Participating Member States introduced in accordance with the EMU Legislation.

Eurocurrency Rate” means:

(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for deposits in the relevant currency (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “Eurocurrency Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the

 

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Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in the relevant currency for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in Same Day Funds in the approximate amount of the Eurocurrency Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch (or other Bank of America branch or Affiliate) to major banks in the London or other offshore interbank market for such currency at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; and

(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to (i) BBA LIBOR, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time determined two (2) Business Days prior to such date for Dollar deposits being delivered in the London interbank market for a term of one (1) month commencing that day or (ii) if such published rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the date of determination in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Base Rate Loan being made or maintained and with a term equal to one (1) month would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch (or other Bank of America branch or Affiliate) to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market at their request at the date and time of determination.

Eurocurrency Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Eurocurrency Rate. Eurocurrency Rate Loans may be denominated in Dollars or in Euros.

Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 10.1.

Excess Availability” means, at any time, (a) the Maximum Credit at such time minus (b) the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings at such time.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Guarantor, (b) any Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower or of any direct or indirect Domestic Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary, (c) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a disregarded entity for United States Federal income tax purposes substantially all of the assets of which consist of Equity Interests in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries, (d) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary, (e) any Subsidiary that is prohibited or restricted by applicable Law from providing a Guaranty or if such Guaranty would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization, (f) any special purpose securitization vehicle (or similar entity), (g) any Subsidiary that is a not-for-profit organization, (h) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (confirmed in writing by notice to the Borrower), the cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of providing the Guaranty shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom and (i) each Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Existing ABL Facility” means the credit facility under that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2007, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., J. Crew Inc., Grace Holmes, Inc. d/b/a J. Crew Retail, H.F.D. No. 55, Inc. d/b/a J. Crew Factory, and Madewell, Inc., as borrowers, the Company and J. Crew International, Inc., as guarantors, Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders, other agents and issuers from time to time party thereto.

 

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Existing Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit previously issued for the account of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, for so long as Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, that is (a) outstanding on the Effective Date and (b) listed on Schedule 1.1F.

Existing Revolver Tranche” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

Extended Revolving Credit Commitments” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

Extending Revolving Credit Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(b).

Extension” means any establishment of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to Section 2.17 and the applicable Extension Amendment.

Extension Amendment” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(c).

Extension Election” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(b).

Extension Request” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

Extension Series” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

Facility” means the Revolving Credit Commitments and the provisions herein related to the Revolving Loans, Swing Loans and Letters of Credit, Loans under Extended Revolving Credit Commitments and Loans under New Revolving Credit Commitments.

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code as in effect on the date hereof or any successor provision that is substantively the equivalent thereof (and, in each case, any regulations promulgated thereunder or official interpretations thereof).

Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System, or any successor thereto.

 

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Fee Letter” means the Fee Letter dated November 23, 2010, among Merger Sub, Bank of America and the Arrangers.

Field Examination” has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(d).

Financial Asset” has the meaning given to such term in Article 8 of the UCC.

Financial Statements” means the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries delivered in accordance with Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b).

Fiscal Quarter” means a fiscal quarter of any Fiscal Year.

Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 in the following calendar year.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person for any Test Period, the ratio of (a) (i) Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for such period minus (ii) Capital Expenditures minus (iii) Cash Taxes, in each case in this clause (a), for such Test Period, to (b) the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period.

Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any Test Period, the sum, determined on a Consolidated basis, of (a) the Consolidated Net Cash Interest Expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period plus (b) scheduled payments of principal on Indebtedness for borrowed money of such Person and its Subsidiaries due and payable during such period.

Foreign Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b).

Foreign Plan” means any material employee benefit plan, program or agreement maintained or contributed to by, or entered into with, Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings with respect to employees employed outside the United States (other than benefit plans, programs or agreements that are mandated by applicable Laws).

Foreign Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to an Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations to the extent that such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations has not been reallocated pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iv) or Cash Collateralized pursuant to Section 2.16(c), and (b) with respect to the Swing Loan Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swing Loans to the extent that such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swing Loans has not been reallocated pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iv) or Cash Collateralized pursuant to Section 2.16(c).

Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.

 

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GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, as in effect from time to time; provided, however, that if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Effective Date in GAAP or in the application thereof (including through the adoption of IFRS) on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Requisite Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (including through the adoption of IFRS), then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Granting Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 12.2(g).

Guarantee” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or monetary other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or monetary other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Effective Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

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Guarantors” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”. For avoidance of doubt, the Borrower may cause any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to Guarantee the Obligations by causing such Restricted Subsidiary to execute a supplement to the Guaranty in substantially the form attached thereto, and any such Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor hereunder and thereunder for all purposes.

Guaranty” means (a) the guaranty made by Holdings and the other Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement,” substantially in the form of Exhibit H, and (b) each other guaranty and guaranty supplement delivered pursuant to Section 8.11.

Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes, all hazardous or toxic substances, and all wastes or pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas and infectious or medical wastes regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Hedge Bank” means, with respect to any Swap Contract, as of any date of determination, (a) any Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender on such date or (b) any Person who (i) was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Swap Contract was entered into and who is no longer a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, (ii) is, and at all times remains, in compliance with the provisions of Section 11.13(b)(i) and (iii) agrees in writing that the Agents and the other Secured Parties shall have no duty to such Person (other than the payment of any amounts to which such Person may be entitled under Section 10.3) and acknowledges that the Agents and the other Secured Parties may deal with the Loan Parties and the Collateral as they deem appropriate (including the release of any Loan Party or all or any portion of the Collateral) without notice or consent from such Person, whether or not such action impairs the ability of such Person to be repaid Obligations owing to it in respect of the Secured Hedge Agreements to which it is a party) and agrees to be bound by Section 11.13(b)(ii).

Holdings” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

IFRS” means international accounting standards within the meaning of the IAS Regulation 1606/2002 to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.

In-Transit Advance Rate” means 85%.

In-Transit Inventory” means Inventory located outside of the United States or Canada or in transit within or outside of the United States or Canada to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor from vendors and suppliers that has not yet been received into a distribution center or store of such Person.

In-Transit Trigger Period” means the period beginning on the date on which the Borrower has failed to maintain Excess Availability at least equal to the greater of (a) twenty-five percent (25%) of the Maximum Credit or (b) $40,000,000, in either case, for five (5) consecutive Business Days, and ending on the date Excess Availability shall have been equal to or greater than the greater of (x) 25% of the Maximum Credit and (y) $40,000,000, in each case, for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.

 

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Incremental Amendment” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15.

Incremental Availability” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(a).

Incremental Facility Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15.

Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;

(b) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions that may have been reimbursed) of all letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;

(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;

(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts and accrued expenses payable in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation is not paid after becoming due and payable and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business);

(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

(f) all Attributable Indebtedness;

(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests; and

(h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.

For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include (A) the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Debt and (B) in the case of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, exclude loans and advances made by Loan Parties having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business solely to the extent that

 

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such intercompany loans and advances are evidenced by one or more notes in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and pledged as Collateral. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value (as determined by such Person in good faith) of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith.

Indemnified Liabilities” has the meaning specified in Section 12.4(a).

Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 12.4(a).

Independent Financial Advisor” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged and that is independent of the Borrower and its Affiliates.

Information” has the meaning specified in Section 12.19.

Initial Inventory Appraisal” means that certain report prepared by Great American Group for the Arrangers and the Administrative Agent dated January 2011.

Intellectual Property” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Intellectual Property Security Agreements” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Intercompany Subordination Agreement” means an agreement executed by each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit L.

Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement dated as of the date hereof among Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Term Facility Administrative Agent, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit K, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance therewith and herewith.

Interest Period” means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan or any BA Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, or to the extent consented to by each applicable Lender, nine or twelve months (or such period of less than one month as may be consented to by each applicable Lender), as selected by the Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion or Continuation; provided that:

(a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day;

 

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(b) any Interest Period (other than an Interest Period having a duration of less than one month) that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and

(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the applicable Scheduled Termination Date of the Class of Loans of which the Eurocurrency Rate Loan is a part.

Inventory” has the meaning given to such term in Article 9 of the UCC.

Inventory Advance Rate” (a) during the period from August 1 of any Fiscal Year through and including December 31 of such Fiscal Year, 92.5% and (b) at all other times, 90%.

Inventory Reserves” means (a) such reserves as may be established from time to time by the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, with respect to changes in the determination of the saleability, at retail, of the Eligible Inventory or which reflect such other factors as negatively affect the market value of the Eligible Inventory and (b) Shrink Reserves.

Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition (including without limitation by merger or otherwise) of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person (excluding, in the case of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business) or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions, including without limitation by merger or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent changes in the value of such Investment, net of any return representing a return of capital with respect to such Investment.

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized statistical rating agency selected by the Borrower.

IP Rights” has the meaning specified in Section 5.15.

IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.

ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

 

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Issue” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, to issue, extend the expiry of, amend, renew or increase the maximum face amount (including by deleting or reducing any scheduled decrease in such maximum face amount) of, such Letter of Credit. The terms “Issued”, “Issuing” and “Issuance” shall have a corresponding meaning.

Issuer” means Bank of America and each other Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that (a) is listed on the signature pages hereof as an “Issuer”, (b) hereafter becomes an Issuer with the approval of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by agreeing pursuant to an agreement with and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower to be bound by the terms hereof applicable to Issuers (and in the case of any resignation, subject to and in accordance with Section 12.2(h)) and (c) solely with respect to any Existing Letter of Credit, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Issuer Documents” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Request, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by an Issuer and the Borrower (or any of its Subsidiaries) or in favor of such Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.

J. Crew Card” means the private label credit card issued by World Financial Network National Bank pursuant to the Credit Card Agreement of the Borrower with such bank (or any subsequent Credit Card Issuer with respect to such private label credit card) to customers or prospective customers of the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Joint Bookrunner” means each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman Sachs Bank USA.

Joint Venture” means (a) any Person which would constitute an “equity method investee” of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and (b) any Person in whom the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries beneficially owns any Equity Interest that is not a Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary).

Judgment Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 12.10.

Junior Financing” means the Senior Notes or any other Indebtedness of a Loan Party (other than Holdings) that is unsecured or subordinated to the Obligations expressly by its terms (other than Indebtedness among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries).

Junior Financing Documentation” means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.

L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the renewal or increase of the amount thereof.

Landlord Lien State” means any state in which, at any time, a landlord’s claim for rent has priority notwithstanding any contractual provision to the contrary by operation of applicable Law over the lien of the Collateral Agent in any of the Collateral.

 

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Latest Maturity Date” means, at any date of determination, the latest Scheduled Termination Date applicable to any Loan or Revolving Credit Commitment hereunder at such time, including the latest termination date of any Extended Revolving Credit Commitment or New Revolving Credit Commitment, as applicable, as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.

Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities and executive orders, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

Leases” means, with respect to any Person, all of those leasehold estates in Real Property of such Person, as lessee, as such may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Lender” means the Swing Loan Lender, Revolving Credit Lender and each other financial institution or other entity that (a) is listed on the signature pages hereof as a “Lender” or (b) from time to time becomes a party hereto by execution of an Assignment and Assumption or, in connection with a Revolving Commitment Increase, an Incremental Amendment or, in connection with an Extended Revolving Credit Commitment or a New Revolving Credit Commitment, an Extension Amendment.

Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit Issued (or deemed Issued) pursuant to Section 2.4 and any Existing Letter of Credit. A Letter of Credit may be a Documentary Letter of Credit or a Standby Letter of Credit.

Letter of Credit Advance Rate” means 85%.

Letter of Credit Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit that has not been reimbursed on the applicable Reimbursement Date or refinanced as a Revolving Loan.

Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12(b).

Letter of Credit Inventory” means Inventory the purchase of which is financed with Letters of Credit hereunder, (a) which Inventory does not constitute Eligible Inventory or Eligible In-Transit Inventory and for which no document of title has been issued and (b) which Inventory, when purchased, would otherwise constitute Eligible In-Transit Inventory.

Letter of Credit Obligations” means, at any time, the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate of all liabilities at such time of any Loan Party to all Issuers with respect to Letters of Credit, whether or not any such liability is contingent, including, without duplication, the sum of (a) the Reimbursement Obligations at such time and (b) the Letter of Credit Undrawn Amounts at such time.

 

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Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement” has the meaning specified in clause (v) of the proviso to clause (a) of Section 2.4.

Letter of Credit Request” has the meaning specified in Section 2.4(c).

Letter of Credit Undrawn Amounts” means, at any time, the aggregate undrawn face amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding at such time.

Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing); provided, that in no event shall an operating lease in and of itself be deemed a Lien.

Lien Acknowledgment Agreement” means each Collateral Access Agreement and Customs Broker Agreement.

Liquidation” means the exercise by the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent of those rights and remedies accorded to the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents and applicable Law as a creditor of the Loan Parties with respect to the realization on the Collateral, including (after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default) the conduct by the Loan Parties acting with the consent of the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent, of any public, private or “going out of business” sale or other disposition of the Collateral for the purpose of liquidating the Collateral. Derivations of the word “Liquidation” (such as “Liquidate”) are used with like meaning in this Agreement.

Loan” means any loan made by any Lender pursuant to this Agreement, including Swing Loans and any Loans made in respect of any Revolving Commitment Increase.

Loan Documents” means, collectively, (a) this Agreement, (b) the Revolving Credit Notes, (c) any Incremental Amendment and any Extension Amendment, (d) the Guaranty, (e) the Fee Letter, (f) each Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement, (g) the Collateral Documents and (h) the Issuer Documents.

Loan Parties” means, collectively, (a) Holdings, (b) the Borrower and (c) each other Guarantor.

Madewell Business” means any business conducted by Madewell, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Borrower, and its Subsidiaries on the Effective Date and any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses conducted by Madewell, Inc. on the Effective Date, including any trademarks or trade names exclusively used in the Madewell Business now or in the future but excluding for the avoidance of doubt any trademarks or trade names owned by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Madewell, Inc. and its Subsidiaries) on the Effective Date.

 

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Management Stockholders” means the members of management of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries who are investors in Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof.

Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System, or any successor thereto.

Master Agreement” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Swap Contract.”

Material Adverse Effect” means any event, circumstance or condition that has had a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) to perform their respective payment obligations under any Loan Document to which any of the Loan Parties is a party or (c) the rights and remedies of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document.

Material Bank Accounts” has the meaning specified in Section 8.12.

Material Domestic Subsidiary” means, at any date of determination, each of the Borrower’s Domestic Subsidiaries (a) whose total assets at the last day of the most recent Test Period for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) were equal to or greater than 2.5% of Total Assets at such date or (b) whose gross revenues for such Test Period were equal to or greater than 2.5% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that if, at any time and from time to time after the Effective Date, Domestic Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors solely because they do not meet the thresholds set forth in clauses (a) or (b) comprise in the aggregate more than 5.0% of Total Assets as of the end of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1 or more than 5.0% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of the last day of such Fiscal Quarter, then the Borrower shall, not later than forty-five (45) days after the date by which financial statements for such quarter are required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement (or such longer period as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), (i) designate in writing to the Administrative Agent one or more of such Domestic Subsidiaries as “Material Domestic Subsidiaries” to the extent required such that the foregoing condition ceases to be true and (ii) comply with the provisions of Sections 8.11, 8.12 and 8.13 applicable to such Subsidiary.

Material Foreign Subsidiary” means, at any date of determination, each of the Borrower’s Foreign Subsidiaries (a) whose total assets at the last day of the most recent Test Period for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) were equal to or greater than 2.5% of Total Assets at such date or (b) whose gross revenues for such Test Period were equal to or greater than 2.5% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness having an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $35,000,000 or more.

Material Real Property” means any real property owned by any Loan Party with a fair market value in excess of $5,000,000.

Material Subsidiary” means any Material Domestic Subsidiary or any Material Foreign Subsidiary.

Maximum Credit” means, at any time, the lesser of (i) the Revolving Credit Commitments in effect at such time and (ii) the Borrowing Base at such time.

Maximum Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 12.27.

Merger” has the meaning specified in the preliminary statements to this Agreement.

Merger Agreement” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 23, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated January 18, 2011, among Chinos Holdings, Inc., Merger Sub and the Company.

Merger Consideration” means an amount equal to the total funds required to pay to (i) the holder of each share of issued and outstanding common stock (including shares of restricted stock) of the Borrower immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger (subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the Merger Agreement) an aggregate amount of $43.50 per share in cash and (ii) the holders of certain outstanding options, with respect to any share of common stock of the Borrower issuable under a particular option, an aggregate amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of (x) $43.50 per share and (y) the applicable exercise price payable in respect of such share of common stock of the Borrower issuable under such option.

Merger Sub” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

Monthly Borrowing Base Certificate” shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.4(a).

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Mortgage Policies” has the meaning specified in Section 8.13(b)(ii) hereof.

Mortgaged Properties” has the meaning specified in paragraph (e) of the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”.

Mortgages” means, collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Loan Parties in favor or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Lenders in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and any other mortgages executed and delivered pursuant to Sections 8.11, 8.12 or 8.13.

 

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Multiemployer Plan” means any multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Net Cash Proceeds

(a) with respect to the Disposition of any asset by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of cash and Cash Equivalents received in connection with such Disposition (including any cash and Cash Equivalents received by way of deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or otherwise, but only as and when so received) over (ii) the sum of (A) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by the asset subject to such Disposition and that is required to be repaid in connection with such Disposition (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents or the Term Facility Documentation or any Permitted Refinancing of the Indebtedness under the Term Facility Documentation), (B) the out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees) actually incurred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Disposition, (C) taxes or distributions made pursuant to Section 9.6(g)(i) or (g)(ii) paid or reasonably estimated to be payable in connection therewith (including taxes imposed on the distribution or repatriation of any such Net Cash Proceeds), (D) in the case of any Disposition by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Cash Proceeds thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (D)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Borrower or a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary as a result thereof, and (E) any reserve for adjustment in respect of (x) the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP and (y) any liabilities associated with such asset or assets and retained by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction, it being understood that “Net Cash Proceeds” shall include the amount of any reversal (without the satisfaction of any applicable liabilities in cash in a corresponding amount) of any reserve described in this clause (E); and

(b) (i) with respect to the incurrence or issuance of any Indebtedness by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any Permitted Equity Issuance by the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, the excess, if any, of (A) the sum of the cash and Cash Equivalents received in connection with such incurrence or issuance over (B) the investment banking fees, underwriting discounts, commissions, costs and other out-of-pocket expenses and other customary expenses, incurred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such incurrence or issuance and (ii) with respect to any Permitted Equity Issuance by any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, the amount of cash from such Permitted Equity Issuance contributed to the capital of the Borrower.

 

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Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends.

Net Recovery Percentage” means the fraction, expressed as a percentage, (a) the numerator of which is the amount equal to the recovery on the aggregate amount of the Inventory at such time on a “going out of business sale” basis as set forth in the most recent appraisal of Inventory received by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 7.4, net of operating expenses, liquidation expenses and commissions, and (b) the denominator of which is the applicable original cost of the aggregate amount of the Inventory subject to appraisal. The Net Recovery Percentage for any category of Inventory used in determining the Borrowing Base shall be based on the applicable percentage in the most recent appraisal conducted as set forth in Section 7.4.

New Revolving Commitment Lenders” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(c).

Non-Bank Certificate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(b).

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 3.7.

Non-Core Business Segment” means any business segment or separate department of the Loan Parties which contributed less than 5% of Consolidated EBITDA of the Loan Parties as of the Fiscal Year immediately prior to the date of such calculation.

Non-Loan Party” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party.

Notice of Borrowing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.2.

Notice of Conversion or Continuation” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a).

Notice of Intent to Cure” has the meaning specified in Section 7.2.

Obligations” means all (a) advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding, (b) obligations of any Loan Party arising under any Secured Hedge Agreement, and (c) Cash Management Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents (and any of their Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Loan Documents) include the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest, Letter of Credit, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document.

 

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OFAC” has the meaning specified in Section 5.18.

OID” means original issue discount.

Other Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1.

Outstanding Amount” means (a) with respect to the Revolving Loans and Swing Loans on any date, the Dollar Equivalent thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Loans (including any refinancing of Letter of Credit Obligations as a Revolving Loan) and Swing Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit Obligations on any date, the Dollar Equivalent thereof on such date after giving effect to any related extension of any Letter of Credit occurring on such date and any other changes thereto as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations (including any refinancing of outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations under related Letters of Credit or related extensions of any Letters of Credit as a Revolving Loan) or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under related Letters of Credit taking effect on such date.

Overnight Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate and (b) an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent, an Issuer, or the Swing Loan Lender, as applicable, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 12.2(d).

Participant Register” has the meaning specified in Section 12.2(e).

Participating Member State” means each state so described in any EMU Legislation.

Payment Conditions” means, at any time of determination, that (a) no Event of Default exists or would arise as a result of the making of the subject Specified Payment, (b) after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Specified Payment and projected for the succeeding six (6) months following such Specified Payment, Excess Availability shall be greater than the greater of (i) 15% of the Maximum Credit and (ii) $30,000,000 and (c) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the end of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) shall be greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0 after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Specified Payment as if such Specified Payment (if applicable to such calculation) had been made as of the first day of such period, and, in each case, the Borrower shall have delivered, in accordance with Section 7.2(f) hereof, to the Administrative Agent evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the conditions contained in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied.

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor thereto.

 

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Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates or to which any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions in the preceding five plan years.

Permitted Acquisition” means the purchase or other acquisition by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of property and assets or businesses of any Person or of assets constituting a business unit, a line of business or division of such Person, a Store or Equity Interests in a Person that, upon the consummation thereof, will be a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower (including as a result of a merger or consolidation); provided that, with respect to each such purchase or other acquisition:

(i) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall constitute Collateral and each applicable Loan Party and any newly created or acquired Subsidiary (and, to the extent required under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, the Subsidiaries of such created or acquired Subsidiary) shall be Guarantors and shall have complied with the requirements of Section 8.11 and 8.12, within the times specified therein (for the avoidance of doubt, this clause (i) shall not override any provisions of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, subject to the limit in clause (iii) below);

(ii) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent (and the Borrower shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to deliver no later than five (5) Business Days before the date on which any such purchase or other acquisition is consummated), on behalf of the Lenders, a certificate of a Responsible Officer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, certifying that all of the requirements set forth in this definition have been satisfied or will be satisfied on or prior to the consummation of such purchase or other acquisition;

(iii) except with respect to (A) any Foreign Subsidiary and (B) Domestic Subsidiaries up to an acquisition amount not to exceed $50,000,000 in the aggregate for all such Domestic Subsidiaries, to the extent such Investments are made in Persons that do not become Loan Parties, the RP Conditions shall have been satisfied; and

(iv) the Borrower is in compliance, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such transaction, with the Payment Conditions.

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as applicable) in good faith in the exercise of its reasonable (from the perspective of an asset-based lender) business judgment.

Permitted Equity Issuance” means any sale or issuance of any Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower (in which case the Net Cash Proceeds have been received by the Borrower as cash common equity), in each case to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

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Permitted Holder” means any of (a) the Sponsor, (b) the Management Stockholders and (c) the Co-Investors, provided that for purposes of the definition of “Change of Control”, (i) in each of clause (a)(i), the final reference to Permitted Holders in clause (a)(ii) and the proviso to clause (a), the Co-Investors shall not constitute Permitted Holders at any time that they hold voting power equal to more than 20% of the ordinary voting power of all Equity Interests collectively held by the Sponsor, the Management Stockholders and the Co-Investors, (ii) in the final reference to Permitted Holders in clause (a)(ii), the Co-Investors shall not constitute Permitted Holders if they are part of the “group” referred to in clause (a)(ii)(2) of the definition of “Change of Control” and (iii) in the parenthetical in each of clauses (a)(ii)(1) and (2), the Co-Investors shall not constitute Permitted Holders.

Permitted Refinancing” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium (including tender premiums) thereon, plus reasonable OID and upfront fees plus other fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Sections 9.3(b) and (e), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, (c) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Sections 9.3(e), at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is Junior Financing, (i) to the extent such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, (ii) the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, as to collateral but excluding as to subordination, pricing, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) of any such modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended Indebtedness, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms and conditions of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended; provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees) and (iii) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension is incurred by the Person who is the obligor of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended and no additional obligors become liable for such Indebtedness, and (e) in the case of any Permitted Refinancing in respect of the Term Facility, such Permitted Refinancing is secured only by assets pursuant to one or more security agreements permitted by and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement containing terms that are at least as favorable to the Secured Parties as those contained in the Intercreditor Agreement).

 

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Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan” means any material “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), other than a Foreign Plan, established by any Loan Party or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any of their respective ERISA Affiliates.

Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 7.2.

Pledged Debt” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Pledged Equity” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet” has the meaning specified in Section 5.5.

Pro Forma Basis” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test or covenant or calculation hereunder, the determination or calculation of such test, covenant or ratio (including in connection with Specified Transactions) in accordance with Section 1.8.

Pro Forma Financial Statements” has the meaning specified in Section 5.5.

Proceeds” has the meaning given to such term in Article 9 of the UCC.

Projections” shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.1(d).

Protective Advances” means an overadvance made or deemed to exist by the Administrative Agent, in its discretion, which:

(a) is made to maintain, protect or preserve the Collateral and/or the Loan Parties’ rights under the Loan Documents or which is otherwise for the benefit of the Loan Parties; or

(b) is made to enhance the likelihood of, or to maximize the amount of, repayment of any Obligation; or

(c) is made to pay any other amount chargeable to any Loan Party hereunder; and

(d) together with all other Protective Advances then outstanding, shall not (i) exceed five percent (5%) of the Borrowing Base at any time or (ii) unless a Liquidation is taking place, remain outstanding for more than forty-five (45) consecutive Business Days, unless in each case, the Requisite Lenders otherwise agree.

Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 7.2.

 

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Qualified Cash” means unrestricted cash or Cash Equivalents of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor that are subject to the valid, enforceable and first priority perfected security interest of the Collateral Agent in a Qualified Cash Securities Account, and which cash and Cash Equivalents are not subject to any other Lien, claim or interest (other than (A) Liens permitted hereunder pursuant to clauses (c), (d) or (h) of Section 9.1, (B) Liens permitted under Section 9.1 (including clause (w) thereof) securing the Obligations (as defined under the Term Facility Credit Agreement) (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement), (C) any other Lien having priority by operation of applicable Law over the Liens of the Collateral Agent, or (D) customary Liens or rights of setoff of the institution maintaining such accounts permitted hereunder solely in its capacity as a depository; provided that, for purposes of the amount of Qualified Cash included in the calculation of Borrowing Base, such amount may be reduced, at the Administrative Agent’s option, by any obligations owing to any lienholder in respect of the Liens referred to in the foregoing clauses (A), (C) and (D), and the Borrower shall provide such information with respect to such obligations as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request).

Qualified Cash Securities Account” means any Approved Securities Account that permits the Administrative Agent to deliver a notice of exclusive control and become the sole Entitlement Holder and the only Person authorized to give Entitlement Orders with respect thereto during the continuation of any Qualified Cash Trigger Period and during any Cash Dominion Period.

Qualified Cash Trigger Period” means a period beginning on the date that Excess Availability shall have been less than the greater of (i) $40,000,000 and (ii) 25% of the Maximum Credit, in either case, for five (5) consecutive Business Days, and ending on the date Excess Availability shall have been equal to or greater than the greater of (x) $40,000,000 and (y) 25% of the Maximum Credit, in each case, for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days; provided that a Qualified Cash Trigger Period may not deemed to have ended under this definition on more than three (3) occasions in any period of 365 consecutive days.

Qualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.

Qualified Holding Company Debt” means unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings (A) that is not subject to any Guarantee by any Subsidiary of Holdings, (B) that will not mature prior to the date that is six (6) months after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of issuance or incurrence thereof, (C) that has no scheduled amortization or scheduled payments of principal and is not subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (it being understood that such Indebtedness may have mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption provisions satisfying the requirements of clause (E) below), (D) that does not require any payments in cash of interest or other amounts in respect of the principal thereof prior to the earlier to occur of (1) the date that is four (4) years from the date of the issuance or incurrence thereof and (2) the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of such issuance or incurrence, and (E) that has mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption, covenant, default and remedy provisions customary for senior discount notes of an issuer that is the parent of a borrower under senior secured credit facilities, and in any event, with respect to covenant, default and remedy provisions, no more

 

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restrictive (taken as a whole) than those set forth in this Agreement (other than provisions customary for senior discount notes of a holding company); provided that the Borrower shall have delivered a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement (and such certificate shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)); provided further that any such Indebtedness shall constitute Qualified Holding Company Debt only if immediately after giving effect to the issuance or incurrence thereof and the use of proceeds thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Qualifying IPO” means the issuance by Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings of its common Equity Interests in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering).

Quarterly Financial Statements” means the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the most recent Fiscal Quarters after the date of the Annual Financial Statements and ended at least forty-five (45) days before the Effective Date.

Ratable Portion”, “Pro Rata Share”, “ratable share” or (other than in the expression “equally and ratably”) “ratably” means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage obtained by dividing (a) the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Class of such Lender by (b) the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Lenders of such Class (or, at any time after the Revolving Credit Termination Date, the percentage obtained by dividing the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Outstandings of such Class owing to such Lender by the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Outstandings owing to all Lenders of such Class).

Register” has the meaning specified in Section 12.2(c).

Registered Equivalent Notes” means, with respect to any notes originally issued in a Rule 144A or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act, substantially identical notes (having the same Guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.

Reimbursement Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.4(h).

Reimbursement Obligations” means, as and when matured, the obligation of any Loan Party to pay, on the date payment is made or scheduled to be made to the beneficiary under each such Letter of Credit (or at such other date as may be specified in the applicable Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement) and in the currency drawn (or in such other currency as may

 

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be specified in the applicable Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement), all amounts of each drafts and other requests for payments drawn under Letters of Credit, and all other matured reimbursement or repayment obligations of any Loan Party to any Issuer with respect to amounts drawn under Letters of Credit.

Related Indemnified Person” of an Indemnitee means (a) any controlling person or controlled affiliate of such Indemnitee, (b) the respective directors, officers, or employees of such Indemnitee or any of its controlling persons or controlled affiliates and (c) the respective agents of such Indemnitee or any of its controlling persons or controlled affiliates, in the case of this clause (c), acting at the instructions of such Indemnitee, controlling person or such controlled affiliate; provided that each reference to a controlled affiliate or controlling person in this definition shall pertain to a controlled affiliate or controlling person involved in the negotiation or syndication of the Facility, the Term Facility or the Senior Notes.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Reportable Event” means, with respect to any Pension Plan, any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.

Requisite Class Lenders” shall mean, with respect to any Class on any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of (i) the aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments of such Class or, after the Revolving Credit Termination Date, more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings of such Class; provided that the unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Loans and outstanding Letters of Credit held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Requisite Class Lenders.

Requisite Lenders” means, collectively, Lenders having more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments or, after the Revolving Credit Termination Date, more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings; provided that the unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Loans and outstanding Letters of Credit held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Requisite Lenders.

Reserves” means any Inventory Reserves and Availability Reserves.

Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer or other similar officer or Person performing similar functions of a Loan Party and, as to any document delivered on the Effective Date, any secretary or assistant secretary of a Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Responsible Officer” shall refer to a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

 

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Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s or Holdings’ stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof).

Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Revaluation Date” means (a) with respect to any Loan, each of the following: (i) each date of a Borrowing of a Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency, (ii) each date of a continuation of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in an Alternative Currency pursuant to Section 2.11, and (iii) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably determine or the Requisite Lenders shall reasonably require; and (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit, each of the following: (i) each date of issuance of a Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency, (ii) each date of an amendment of any such Letter of Credit having the effect of increasing the amount thereof (solely with respect to the increased amount), (iii) each date of any payment by the Issuer under any Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency, (iv) each date of determination of Excess Availability hereunder and (v) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent or the Issuer shall reasonably determine or the Requisite Lenders shall reasonably require.

Revolving Commitment Increase” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15.

Revolving Commitment Increase Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15.

Revolving Credit Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Loans and acquire interests in other Revolving Credit Outstandings expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Loans to be made by such Lender under this Agreement, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to this Agreement and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (i) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, (ii) a Revolving Commitment Increase, (iii) a New Revolving Credit Commitment or (iv) an Extension. The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment is set forth on Schedule I under the caption “Revolving Credit Commitment,” as amended to reflect each Assignment and Assumption, Incremental Agreement or Extension Amendment, in each case executed by such Lender. The initial aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments is $250,000,000.

 

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Revolving Credit Exposure” means, as to each Lender, the sum of the Outstanding Amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its Pro Rata Share of the Letter of Credit Obligations and its Pro Rata Share of the Swing Loan Obligations at such time.

Revolving Credit Lender” means each Lender that (a) has a Revolving Credit Commitment, (b) holds a Revolving Loan or (c) participates in any Letter of Credit.

Revolving Credit Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to the order of any Revolving Credit Lender in a principal amount equal to the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Loans of a given Class owing to such Lender.

Revolving Credit Outstandings” means, at any particular time, the sum of (a) the principal amount of the Loans outstanding at such time, (b) the Letter of Credit Obligations outstanding at such time and (c) the principal amount of the Swing Loans outstanding at such time.

Revolving Credit Termination Date” means the earliest of (a) the Scheduled Termination Date, (b) the date of termination of all of the Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to Section 2.5 and (c) the date on which the Obligations become due and payable pursuant to Section 10.2.

Revolving Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

RP Conditions” means, at any time of determination, that (a) no Event of Default exists or would arise as a result of the subject Specified Payment, (b) after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Specified Payment and projected for the succeeding six (6) months following such Specified Payment, Excess Availability shall be greater than the greater of (i) 20% of the Maximum Credit and (ii) $40,000,000 and (c) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the end of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) shall be greater than or equal to 1.1 to 1.0 after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Specified Payment as if such Specified Payment (if applicable to such calculation) had been made as of the first day of such period, and, in each case, the Borrower shall have delivered, in accordance with Section 7.2(f) hereof, to the Administrative Agent evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the conditions contained in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and any successor thereto.

Same Day Funds” means disbursements and payments in immediately available funds.

Scheduled Termination Date” means the date that is five (5) years after the Effective Date, as may be extended pursuant to Section 12.1(b) or Section 2.17 hereof; provided that if such day is not a Business Day, the Scheduled Termination Date shall be the Business Day immediately preceding such day.

 

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SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Secured Cash Management Agreement” means any Cash Management Agreement that is entered into by and between any Loan Party (or entered into by Merger Sub and existing at the time of the Merger) and any Cash Management Bank.

Secured Hedge Agreement” means any Swap Contract permitted under Section 9.3(f) that is entered into by and between any Loan Party (or entered into by Merger Sub and existing at the time of the Merger) or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Hedge Bank and designated in writing by the Hedge Bank and the Borrower to the Administrative Agent as a “Secured Hedge Agreement.” Such designation in writing by the Hedge Bank and the Borrower (or any subsequent written notice by the Hedge Bank to the Administrative Agent) may further designate any Obligations under such Secured Hedge Agreement as being “Specified Secured Hedge Obligations” as defined under this Agreement.

Secured Obligations” means, in the case of the Borrower, the Obligations and, in the case of any other Loan Party, the obligations of such Loan Party under the Guaranty and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party.

Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Lenders, the Issuers, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, each Hedge Bank, each Cash Management Bank and each co-agent or sub-agent (if any) appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 11.5.

Securities Account” means all securities accounts of any Loan Party, including “securities accounts” within the meaning given to such term in Article 8 of the UCC.

Securities Account Control Agreement” means an effective securities account control agreement with an Approved Securities Intermediary, in each case in the form set forth in Exhibit VII to the Security Agreement or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security” means any Equity Interest, voting trust certificate, bond, debenture, note or other evidence of Indebtedness, whether secured, unsecured, convertible or subordinated, or any certificate of interest, share or participation in, any temporary or interim certificate for the purchase or acquisition of, or any right to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing, but shall not include any evidence of the Obligations.

Security Agreement” means, collectively, the Security Agreement executed by the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit I, together with each Security Agreement Supplement executed and delivered pursuant to Section 8.11.

Security Agreement Supplement” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

 

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Senior Notes” means up to $400,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Borrower’s senior unsecured notes due 2019 and any Registered Equivalent Notes having substantially identical terms and issued pursuant to the Senior Notes Indenture in exchange for the initial, unregistered senior unsecured notes.

Senior Notes Indenture” means the Indenture for the Senior Notes, dated March 7, 2011, between the Borrower and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, replaced or refinanced to the extent not prohibited by this Agreement.

Shrink Reserve” means an amount reasonably estimated by the Administrative Agent to be equal to that amount which is required in order that the shrink reflected in current books and records of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries would be reasonably equivalent to the shrink calculated as part of the Borrower’s most recent physical Inventory (it being understood and agreed that no Shrink Reserve established by the Administrative Agent shall be duplicative of any shrink as so reflected in the current books and records of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or estimated by the Borrower for purposes of computing the Borrowing Base).

Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the assets of such Person exceeds its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) such Person is not engaged in, and is not about to engage in, business for which it has unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.

SPC” has the meaning specified in Section 12.2(g).

Specified Event of Default” means any Event of Default (a) of the type described in Section 10.1(a), 10.1(b)(i)(A), 10.1(b)(ii), 10.1(b)(iii), 10.1(c) (solely in respect of any misrepresentation of the Borrowing Base or breach of Section 8.12), 10.1(d) (with respect to any Borrowing Base Certificate) or 10.1(f).

Specified Payment” means any Investment, incurrence of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment or payment made pursuant to Section 9.12 that in each case is subject to the satisfaction of the Payment Conditions or the RP Conditions.

Specified Representations” shall mean those representations and warranties made by the Borrower in Sections 5.1(a) (with respect to organizational existence only), 5.1(b)(ii), 5.2(a), 5.2(b)(i), 5.2(b)(iii), 5.4, 5.13, 5.16, 5.18 and 5.19.

Specified Secured Hedge Obligations” means Obligations under any Secured Hedge Agreement which provides by its terms that such Obligations shall only be payable pursuant to Section 10.3 pursuant to clause “Eighth” thereof. Any applicable Hedge Bank may designate or cancel such designation of Obligations under any applicable Secured Hedge Agreement as “Specified Secured Hedge Obligations” by delivering notice in writing to the Administrative Agent of such designation or cancellation of designation.

 

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Specified Transaction” means any Investment that results in a Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, any designation of a Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Permitted Acquisition, any Disposition that results in a Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower, any Investment constituting an acquisition of assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of another Person or a Store or any Disposition of a business unit, line of business or division or a Store of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case whether by merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise, or any incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes), Restricted Payment or Incremental Loan that by the terms of this Agreement requires such test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect.”

Sponsor” means any of TPG Capital, L.P., TPG Chinos Co-Invest, L.P. (for so long as TPG Capital, L.P. or any of its Affiliates retains control of the voting power thereof), Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., LGP Chino Coinvest LLC (for so long as Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. or any of its Affiliates retains control of the voting power thereof) and any of their respective Affiliates and funds or partnerships managed or advised by any of them or any of their respective Affiliates but not including, however, any portfolio company of any of the foregoing.

Sponsor Management Agreement” means the management services agreement by and among TPG Capital, L.P. and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. or certain of the management companies associated with each of them or their advisors and Chinos Holdings, Inc., Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc., Holdings and the Borrower, as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, but only to the extent that any such amendment, modification, supplement or other modification does not, directly or indirectly, increase the obligation of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to make any payments thereunder.

Sponsor Termination Fees” means the one-time payment under the Sponsor Management Agreement of a termination fee to one or more of the Sponsors in the event of either a Change of Control or the completion of a Qualifying IPO.

Spot Rate” for a currency means the rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as applicable, to be the rate quoted by the Person acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by such Person of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two (2) Business Days prior to the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made; provided that the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Administrative Agent or the Issuer if the Person acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency; and provided further that the applicable Issuer may use such spot rate quoted on the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made in the case of any Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternative Currency.

 

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Standby Letter of Credit” means any Letter of Credit that is not a Documentary Letter of Credit.

Statutory Reserve Rate” means, with respect to any currency, a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by any Governmental Authority of the United States or of the jurisdiction of such currency or any jurisdiction in which Loans in such currency are made to which banks in such jurisdiction are subject for any category of deposits or liabilities customarily used to fund loans in such currency or by reference to which interest rates applicable to Loans in such currency are determined. Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurodollar funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

Store” means any retail store (which includes any real property, fixtures, equipment, Inventory and other property related thereto) operated, or to be operated, by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Store Accounts” means Deposit Accounts established for the purposes of receiving store receipts from a retail store location of a Loan Party.

Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, charitable foundations) of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

Subsidiary Guarantor” means any Guarantor other than Holdings.

Successor Borrower” has the meaning specified in Section 9.4(d).

Supermajority Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having 66.67% or more of the sum of the (a) Revolving Credit Outstandings (with the aggregate principal amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in Letter of Credit Obligations and Swing Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition) and (b) aggregate unused Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that the unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Loans and outstanding Letters of Credit held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Supermajority Lenders.

 

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Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

Swing Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(a).

Swing Loan Lender” means Bank of America in its capacity as the Swing Loan Lender hereunder.

Swing Loan Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Swing Loans.

Swing Loan Request” has the meaning specified in Section 2.3 (b).

Swing Loan Sublimit” means the lesser of (a) $25,000,000 and (b) the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments. The Swing Loan Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Commitments.

Syndication Agent” means Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agent under this Agreement.

Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1(a).

 

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Term Facility” means the credit facilities under the Term Facility Credit Agreement.

Term Facility Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Term Facility Credit Agreement, or any successor administrative agent and collateral agent under the Term Facility Credit Agreement.

Term Facility Credit Agreement” means that certain credit agreement dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrower, Holdings, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, as administrative agent and collateral agent, as the same may be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time in one or more agreements (in each case with the same or new lenders, institutional investors or agents), including any agreement extending the maturity thereof or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness thereunder or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof, in each case as and to the extent permitted by this Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement.

Term Facility Documentation” means the Term Facility Credit Agreement and all security agreements, guarantees, pledge agreements and other agreements or instruments executed in connection therewith.

Term Facility Lenders” means the lenders from time to time party to the Term Facility Credit Agreement.

Test Period” in effect at any time means the most recent period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters of the Borrower ended on or prior to such time (taken as one accounting period). A Test Period may be designated by reference to the last day thereof (i.e., the “January 29, 2011 Test Period” refers to the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters of the Borrower ended January 29, 2011), and a Test Period shall be deemed to end on the last day thereof.

Total Assets” means the total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) or 7.1(b) or, for the period prior to the time any such statements are so delivered pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) or 7.1(b), the Pro Forma Financial Statements.

Total Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Test Period for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b), the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower for such Test Period; provided that, prior to the first date that financial statements have been or are required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) or (b), the Test Period in effect for purposes of this definition shall be the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters of the Borrower ended October 30, 2010.

 

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Transaction” means, collectively, (a) the Equity Contribution, (b) the Merger, (c) the issuance of the Senior Notes, if any, (d) the funding of the loans under the Term Facility Credit Agreement, (e) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the funding of the Loans on the Effective Date, if any, (f) the repayment of the Existing ABL Facility on the Effective Date, (g) the funding of the loans under the senior bridge facility on the Effective Date, if any, (h) the consummation of any other transactions in connection with the foregoing, (i) the repayment of the Existing Credit Agreement and (j) the payment of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with any of the foregoing.

Transaction Expenses” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

Type” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan, a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, a BA Rate Loan or a Canadian Prime Rate Loan.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code or any successor provision thereof as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code or any successor provision thereof (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the board of directors of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 8.3 subsequent to the date hereof, in each case, until such Person ceases to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in accordance with Section 8.3 or ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

Unused Commitment Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12(a).

Updated Inventory Appraisal” has the meaning specified in Section 7.4.

U.S. Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1.

USA PATRIOT Act” means The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. No. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended or modified from time to time.

Weekly Monitoring Event” means (a) a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (b) the Borrower has failed to maintain, for five (5) consecutive Business Days, Excess Availability of the greater of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) 12.5% of the Maximum Credit; provided that a Weekly Monitoring Event shall be deemed continuing until the date on which, as applicable, in the case of the foregoing clause (a), such Specified Event of Default is cured or waived in accordance with Section 12.1, or, in the case of the foregoing clause (b), Excess Availability has been greater than or equal to the greater of (i) $25,000,000 and (ii) 12.5% of the Maximum Credit, in each case under clauses (i) and (ii), for at least thirty (30) consecutive days.

 

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Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness; provided, that for purposes of determining the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Indebtedness that is being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended (the “Applicable Indebtedness”), the effects of any prepayments made on such Applicable Indebtedness prior to the date of the applicable modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension shall be disregarded.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” of a Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) nominal shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Withdrawal Liability” means the liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such term is defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

SECTION 1.2 Other Interpretive Provisions.

With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

(b) (i) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.

(ii) References in this Agreement to an Exhibit, Schedule, Article, Section, clause or sub-clause refer (A) to the appropriate Exhibit or Schedule to, or Article, Section, clause or sub-clause in this Agreement or (B) to the extent such references are not present in this Agreement, to the Loan Document in which such reference appears,

(iii) The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation, subject, in the case of computations of time periods, to clause (f) below,

(iv) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form, and

 

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(v) Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, the words “above” and “below”, when following a reference to a clause or a sub-clause of any Loan Document, refer to a clause or sub-clause within, respectively, the same Section or clause.

(c) The terms “Lender,” “Issuer” and “Administrative Agent” include, without limitation, their respective successors.

(d) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”, the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(e) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

SECTION 1.3 Accounting Terms.

All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.

SECTION 1.4 Rounding.

Any financial ratios required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number)

SECTION 1.5 [Reserved].

SECTION 1.6 References to Agreements, Laws, Etc. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Constituent Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all appendices, exhibits and schedules thereto and all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto (but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by any Loan Document); and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.

SECTION 1.7 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

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SECTION 1.8 Pro Forma Calculations.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.8; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.8, when calculating the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for purposes of determining actual compliance (and not compliance on a Pro Forma Basis) with Section 6.1, the events described in this Section 1.8 that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period shall not be given pro forma effect.

(b) For purposes of calculating the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Specified Transactions (and the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness in connection therewith) that have been made (i) during the applicable Test Period or (ii) subsequent to such Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Specified Transactions (and any increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA and the component financial definitions used therein attributable to any Specified Transaction) had occurred on the first day of the applicable Test Period. If since the beginning of any applicable Test Period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such Test Period shall have made any Specified Transaction that would have required adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.8, then the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated to give pro forma effect thereto in accordance with this Section 1.8.

(c) In the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs (including by assumption or guarantees) or repays (including by redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment) any Indebtedness included in the calculations of the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as the case may be (in each case, other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes), (i) during the applicable Test Period or (ii) subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made, then the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, to the extent required, as if the same had occurred on the last day of the applicable Test Period.

(d) Whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a Specified Transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Borrower and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, the amount of cost savings and synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken, committed to be taken or expected to be taken (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period) relating to such Specified Transaction, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided, that (A) such amounts are reasonably identifiable, quantifiable and factually supportable in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, (B) such actions are taken, committed to be taken or expected to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the date of such Specified Transaction, (C) no amounts shall be added pursuant to this clause (d) to the extent duplicative

 

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of any amounts that are otherwise added back in computing Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, with respect to such period and (D) the aggregate amount of cost savings and synergies added pursuant to this clause (d) for any such period after the Effective Date shall not exceed the greater of (x) $30,000,000 and (y) 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period (giving pro forma effect to the relevant Specified Transaction (but not to any cost savings or synergies)).

(e) If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any hedging obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurodollar interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be determined to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate.

SECTION 1.9 Currency Equivalents Generally.

(a) For purposes of determining compliance with Sections 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 with respect to any amount of Indebtedness or Investment in a currency other than Dollars, no Default shall be deemed to have occurred solely as a result of changes in rates of currency exchange occurring after the time such Indebtedness or Investment is incurred (so long as such Indebtedness or Investment, at the time incurred, made or acquired, was permitted hereunder); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the below provisions of Section 1.10 shall otherwise apply to such Sections, including with respect to determining whether any Investment or Indebtedness may be incurred or made at any time under such Sections.

(b) For purposes of determining the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, amounts denominated in a currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars at the currency exchange rates used in preparing the Borrower’s financial statements corresponding to the Test Period with respect to the applicable date of determination and will, in the case of Indebtedness, reflect the currency translation effects, determined in accordance with GAAP, of Swap Contracts permitted hereunder for currency exchange risks with respect to the applicable currency in effect on the date of determination of the Dollar Equivalent of such Indebtedness; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations denominated in a currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars at the Spot Rate.

SECTION 1.10 Exchange Rates; Currency Translation.

(a) The Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as applicable, shall determine the Spot Rates as of each Revaluation Date to be used for calculating Dollar Equivalent amounts of Loans and Outstanding Amounts denominated in Alternative Currencies. Such Spot Rates shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Spot Rates

 

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employed in converting any amounts between the applicable currencies until the next Revaluation Date to occur. Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by Loan Parties hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder (including baskets related thereto, as applicable) or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Equivalent amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as applicable.

(b) Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a Borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, BA Rate Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Borrowing, Eurocurrency Rate Loan, BA Rate Loan or Letter of Credit is denominated in an Alternative Currency, such amount shall be the relevant Alternative Currency Equivalent of such Dollar amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Alternative Currency, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as the case may be.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of any determination under Article VIII, Article IX or Article X or any determination under any other provision of this Agreement expressly requiring the use of a currency exchange rate, all amounts incurred, outstanding or proposed to be incurred or outstanding in currencies other than Dollars shall be translated into Dollars at the Spot Rate.

SECTION 1.11 Change of Currency.

(a) Each obligation of the Borrowers to make a payment denominated in the national currency unit of any member state of the European Union that adopts the Euro as its lawful currency after the date hereof shall be redenominated into Euro at the time of such adoption (in accordance with the EMU Legislation). If, in relation to the currency of any such member state, the basis of accrual of interest expressed in this Agreement in respect of that currency shall be inconsistent with any convention or practice in the London interbank market for the basis of accrual of interest in respect of the Euro, such expressed basis shall be replaced by such convention or practice with effect from the date on which such member state adopts the Euro as its lawful currency; provided that if any Borrowing in the currency of such member state is outstanding immediately prior to such date, such replacement shall take effect, with respect to such Borrowing, at the end of the then current Interest Period.

(b) Each provision of this Agreement shall be subject to such reasonable changes of construction as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify to be appropriate to reflect the adoption of the Euro by any member state of the European Union and any relevant market conventions or practices relating to the Euro.

(c) Each provision of this Agreement also shall be subject to such reasonable changes of construction as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify to be appropriate to reflect a change in currency of any other country and any relevant market conventions or practices relating to the change in currency.

 

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ARTICLE II

THE FACILITY

SECTION 2.1 The Revolving Credit Commitments.

(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, each Lender severally agrees to make loans in Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Euros (each, a “Revolving Loan”) to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Effective Date until the Revolving Credit Termination Date in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding for all such loans by such Lender not to exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment; provided, however, that at no time shall any Lender be obligated to make a Revolving Loan in excess of such Lender’s Ratable Portion of the Maximum Credit. Within the limits of the Revolving Credit Commitment of each Lender, amounts of Loans repaid may be reborrowed under this Section 2.1.

(b) Subject to the limitations set forth below (and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.2), the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrower and the Lenders, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have absolutely no obligation), to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower, on behalf of all Lenders at any time that any condition precedent set forth in Section 4.2 has not been satisfied or waived, which the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems necessary or desirable for the purposes specified in the definition of “Protective Advances”. Any Protective Advance may be made in a principal amount that would cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure to exceed the Borrowing Base; provided that the aggregate amount of outstanding Protective Advances plus the aggregate of all other Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments. Protective Advances may be made even if the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.2 have not been satisfied or waived. Each Protective Advance shall be secured by the Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral and shall constitute Obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Protective Advances may be revoked at any time by the Requisite Lenders. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof. The making of a Protective Advance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Protective Advance on any other occasion. At any time that the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.2 have been satisfied or waived, the Administrative Agent may request the Lenders to make a Revolving Loan to repay a Protective Advance. At any other time, the Administrative Agent may require the Lenders to fund their risk participations described in Section 2.1(c).

(c) Upon the making of a Protective Advance by the Administrative Agent (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default), each Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, unconditionally and irrevocably to have purchased from the Administrative Agent without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Protective Advance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender is required to fund its participation in any Protective Advance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Protective Advance.

 

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(d) Each (i) Borrowing denominated in Dollars shall be comprised entirely of Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith, (ii) Borrowing denominated in Euros shall be comprised entirely of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (iii) each Borrowing denominated in CDN$ shall be comprised of Canadian Prime Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 2.2 Borrowing Procedures.

(a) Each Borrowing shall be made on notice given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent not later than (i) 11:00 a.m. on the same Business Day, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, (ii) 12:00 noon one (1) Business Day, in the case of a Borrowing of Canadian Prime Rate Loans, (iii) 12:00 noon three (3) Business Days, in the case of a Borrowing of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars, (iv) 12:00 noon two (2) Business Days, in the case of a Borrowing of BA Rate Loans, or (v) 12:00 noon four (4) Business Days, in the case of a Borrowing of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Euros, in each case prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such notice shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit C (a “Notice of Borrowing”), specifying (A) the date of such proposed Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day, (B) the currency and aggregate amount of such proposed Borrowing, (C) whether any portion of the proposed Borrowing will be of Base Rate Loans, Canadian Prime Rate Loans, Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, (D) the initial Interest Period or Interest Periods for any Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as the case may be, (E) the Class of such proposed Borrowing, (F) whether the proposed Borrowing will be denominated in Dollars, Canadian Dollars, or Euros and (G) with respect to any Borrowing the proceeds of which will be used to fund a Restricted Payment subject to the satisfaction of the RP Conditions, an additional solvency representation and warranty of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) after giving effect to such Borrowing and the use of proceeds thereof. The Loans shall be made as Base Rate Loans or, to the extent the currency proposed in the Notice of Borrowing is Canadian Dollars, Canadian Prime Rate Loans, unless, subject to Section 2.14, the Notice of Borrowing specifies that all or a portion thereof shall be Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount of not less than $500,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall give to each Appropriate Lender prompt notice of the Administrative Agent’s receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, of the currency of the proposed Borrowings, and, if Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans are properly requested in such Notice of Borrowing, the applicable interest rate determined pursuant to Section 2.14(a). Each Lender shall, before 1:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Borrowing, make available to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 12.8, in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency, such Lender’s Ratable Portion of such proposed Borrowing. Upon fulfillment (or due waiver in accordance with Section 12.1) (i) on the Effective Date, of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.1 and (ii) at any time (including the Effective Date), of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.2, and, subject to clause (c) below, after the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such funds, the Administrative Agent shall make such funds available to the Borrower as promptly as reasonably practicable.

 

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(c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the date of any proposed Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s Ratable Portion of such Borrowing (or any portion thereof), the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such Ratable Portion available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with this Section 2.2 and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such Ratable Portion available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to the Loans comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, (A) if such Borrowing is denominated in Dollars, the Federal Funds Rate for the first Business Day and thereafter at the interest rate applicable at the time to the Loans comprising such Borrowing and (B) if such Borrowing is denominated in Canadian Dollars or Euros, the rate reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent to be its cost of funding such amount. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such corresponding amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement. If the Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such payment shall not relieve such Lender of any obligation it may have hereunder to the Borrower.

(d) The failure of any Defaulting Lender to make on the date specified any Loan or any payment required by it, including any payment in respect of its participation in Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations, shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations to make such Loan or payment on such date but, except to the extent otherwise provided herein, no such other Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any Defaulting Lender to make a Loan or payment required under this Agreement.

(e) After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent; provided that after the establishment of any new Class of Loans pursuant to an Extension Amendment, the number of Interest Periods otherwise permitted by this Section 2.2(e) shall increase by three (3) Interest Periods for each applicable Class so established.

SECTION 2.3 Swing Loans.

(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, the Swing Loan Lender shall make, in Dollars, loans (each, a “Swing Loan”) otherwise available to the Borrower under the Facility from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Effective Date until the Revolving Credit Termination Date in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding (together with the aggregate outstanding principal amount of any other

 

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Loan made by the Swing Loan Lender hereunder in its capacity as the Swing Loan Lender) not to exceed the Swing Loan Sublimit; provided, however, that at no time shall the Swing Loan Lender make any Swing Loan to the extent that, after giving effect to such Swing Loan, the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings would exceed the Maximum Credit; provided further that in the event that the Swing Loan Lender and the Administrative Agent are not the same Person, then the Swing Loan Lender shall only make a Swing Loan after having given prior notice thereof to the Administrative Agent; provided further that the Swing Loan Lender shall not be required to make any Swing Loan to the extent that such Swing Loan Lender reasonably believes that any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless after giving effect to the requested Swing Loans, there would exist no Fronting Exposure (in the good faith determination of the Swing Loan Lender). Each Swing Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan and must be repaid in full in Dollars within seven (7) days after its making or, if sooner, upon any Borrowing hereunder and shall in any event mature no later than the Revolving Credit Termination Date (without giving effect to any extensions of the type referred to in the proviso to Section 12.1(b) hereof). Within the limits set forth in the first sentence of this clause (a), amounts of Swing Loans repaid may be reborrowed under this clause (a).

(b) In order to request a Swing Loan, the Borrower shall telecopy (or forward by electronic mail or similar means) to the Administrative Agent a duly completed request in substantially the form of Exhibit D, setting forth the requested amount and date of such Swing Loan (a “Swing Loan Request”), to be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day of the proposed borrowing. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Swing Loan Lender of the details of the requested Swing Loan. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Swing Loan Lender shall make a Swing Loan available to the Administrative Agent and, in turn, the Administrative Agent shall make such amounts available to the Borrower as promptly as reasonably practicable on the date set forth in the relevant Swing Loan Request. The Swing Loan Lender shall not make any Swing Loan (other than a Protective Advance) in the period commencing on the first Business Day after it receives written notice from the Administrative Agent or any Lender that one or more of the conditions precedent contained in Section 4.2 shall not on such date be satisfied, and ending when such conditions are satisfied. The Swing Loan Lender shall not otherwise be required to determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.2 have been satisfied in connection with the making of any Swing Loan.

(c) The Swing Loan Lender may demand at any time that each Lender pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swing Loan Lender, in the manner provided in clause (d) below, such Lender’s Ratable Portion of all or a portion of the outstanding Swing Loans, which demand shall be made through the Administrative Agent, shall be in writing and shall specify the outstanding principal amount of Swing Loans demanded to be paid.

(d) The Administrative Agent shall forward each demand referred to in clause (c) above to each Lender on the day such notice or such demand is received by the Administrative Agent (except that any such notice or demand received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. on any Business Day or any such notice or demand received on a day that is not a Business Day shall not be required to be forwarded to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent until the next succeeding Business Day), together with a statement prepared by the Administrative Agent specifying the amount of each Lender’s Ratable Portion of the aggregate

 

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principal amount of the Swing Loans stated to be outstanding in such notice or demanded to be paid pursuant to such demand, and, notwithstanding whether or not the conditions precedent set forth in Sections 4.2 and 2.1 shall have been satisfied (which conditions precedent the Lenders hereby irrevocably waive), each Lender shall, before 11:00 a.m. on the Business Day next succeeding the date of such Lender’s receipt of such notice or demand, make available to the Administrative Agent, in Same Day Funds in Dollars, for the account of the Swing Loan Lender, the amount specified in such statement. Upon such payment by a Lender, such Lender shall, except as provided in clause (e) below, be deemed to have made a Revolving Loan to the Borrower in the amount of such payment. The Administrative Agent shall use such funds to repay the Swing Loans to the Swing Loan Lender.

(e) Upon the occurrence of a Default under Section 10.1(f), each Lender shall acquire, without recourse or warranty, an undivided participation in each Swing Loan otherwise required to be repaid by such Lender pursuant to clause (d) above, which participation shall be in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Ratable Portion of such Swing Loan, by paying to the Swing Loan Lender on the date on which such Lender would otherwise have been required to make a payment in respect of such Swing Loan pursuant to clause (d) above, in Same Day Funds, an amount equal to such Lender’s Ratable Portion of such Swing Loan. If all or part of such amount is not in fact made available by such Lender to the Swing Loan Lender on such date, the Swing Loan Lender shall be entitled to recover any such unpaid amount on demand from such Lender together with interest accrued from such date at the Federal Funds Rate for the first Business Day after such payment was due and thereafter at the rate of interest then applicable to Base Rate Loans.

(f) From and after the date on which any Lender (i) is deemed to have made a Revolving Loan pursuant to clause (d) above with respect to any Swing Loan or (ii) purchases an undivided participation interest in a Swing Loan pursuant to clause (e) above, the Swing Loan Lender shall promptly distribute to such Lender such Lender’s Ratable Portion of all payments of principal and interest received by the Swing Loan Lender on account of such Swing Loan other than those received from a Lender pursuant to clause (d) or (e) above.

SECTION 2.4 Letters of Credit.

(a) Subject to the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, each Issuer agrees to Issue at the request of the Borrower, for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (provided that any Letter of Credit issued for the benefit of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not the Borrower shall be issued naming the Borrower as the account party on any such Letter of Credit but such Letter of Credit may contain a statement that it is being issued for the benefit of such Restricted Subsidiary), one or more Letters of Credit from time to time on any Business Day during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of the Revolving Credit Termination Date and five (5) Business Days prior to the Scheduled Termination Date (without giving effect to any extension of the type referred to in the proviso to Section 12.1(b) hereof) (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day), or such later date as agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion; provided, however, that no Issuer shall be under any obligation to Issue (and, upon the occurrence of any of the events described in clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)(A) below, shall not Issue) any Letter of Credit upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator having binding powers shall purport by its terms to enjoin or restrain such Issuer from Issuing such Letter of Credit or any Law applicable to such Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuer shall prohibit, or request that such Issuer refrain from, the Issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction or reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuer is not otherwise compensated) not in effect on the Effective Date or result in any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense that was not applicable, in effect or known to such Issuer as of the Effective Date and that such Issuer in good faith deems material to it (for which such Issuer is not otherwise compensated);

 

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(ii) such Issuer shall have received any written notice of the type described in clause (d) below;

(iii) after giving effect to the Issuance of such Letter of Credit, (A) the aggregate Revolving Credit Outstandings would exceed the Maximum Credit at such time or (B) the Revolving Credit Outstandings of any Lender would exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment;

(iv) such Letter of Credit is requested to be denominated in any currency other than Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Euros, except as may be approved by the Administrative Agent and such Issuer, each in their sole discretion;

(v) (A) any fees due in connection with a requested Issuance have not been paid, (B) such Letter of Credit is requested to be Issued in a form that is not acceptable to such Issuer or (C) the Issuer for such Letter of Credit shall not have received, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to it and, if applicable, duly executed by the Borrower, applications, agreements and other documentation (collectively, a “Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement”) such Issuer generally employs in the ordinary course of its business for the Issuance of letters of credit of the type of such Letter of Credit;

(vi) any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless (i) after giving effect to the requested Issuance, there would exist no Fronting Exposure (in the good faith determination of the applicable Issuer) or (ii) the applicable Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to the applicable Issuer (in its good faith determination) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate such Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or any other Letter of Credit Obligations as to which such Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion.

 

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None of the Lenders (other than the Issuers in their capacity as such) shall have any obligation to Issue any Letter of Credit. Any Letter of Credit which has been or deemed Issued hereunder may be amended at any time to reduce the amount outstanding thereunder.

(b) In no event shall the expiration date of any Letter of Credit be more than one (1) year after the date of issuance thereof; provided, however, that any Letter of Credit with a term less than or equal to one (1) year may provide for the renewal thereof for additional periods less than or equal to one (1) year, as long as, on or before the expiration of each such term and each such period, the Borrower and the Issuer of such Letter of Credit shall have the option to prevent such renewal; provided further, that, for any Letter of Credit having an expiration date after the Scheduled Termination Date, the Borrower agrees to deliver to the applicable Issuer on or prior to the date that occurs five (5) Business Days prior to the Scheduled Termination Date a letter of credit or letters of credit in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuer issued by a bank acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuer, in each case in their sole discretion, and/or cash collateral in an amount equal to 101% of the maximum drawable amount of any such Letter of Credit.

(c) In connection with the Issuance of each Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall give the relevant Issuer and the Administrative Agent at least two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice, in substantially the form of Exhibit E (or in such other written or electronic form as is acceptable to such Issuer), of the requested Issuance of such Letter of Credit (a “Letter of Credit Request”). Such notice shall specify the Issuer of such Letter of Credit, the face amount and currency of the Letter of Credit requested, the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which date shall be a Business Day) and, in the case of an issuance, the Person for whose benefit the requested Letter of Credit is to be issued. Such notice, to be effective, must be received by the relevant Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the last Business Day on which such notice can be given under the first sentence of this clause (c); provided that the relevant Issuer and the Administrative Agent may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion to a later time and date.

(d) Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in this Section 2.4, the relevant Issuer shall, on the requested date, Issue a Letter of Credit on behalf of the Borrower in accordance with such Issuer’s usual and customary business practices. No Issuer shall Issue any Letter of Credit in the period commencing on the first Business Day after it receives written notice from any Lender that one or more of the conditions precedent contained in Section 4.2 or clause (a) above (other than those conditions set forth in clauses (a)(i), (a)(v)(B) and (C) above and, to the extent such clause relates to fees owing to the Issuer of such Letter of Credit and its Affiliates, clause (a)(v)(A) above) are not on such date satisfied or duly waived and ending when such conditions are satisfied or duly waived. No Issuer shall otherwise be required to determine that, or take notice whether, the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.2 have been satisfied in connection with the Issuance of any Letter of Credit.

(e) The Borrower agrees that, if requested by the Issuer of any Letter of Credit prior to the issuance of a Letter of Credit, it shall execute a Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement in respect to any Letter of Credit Issued hereunder. In the event of any conflict between the terms of any Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

 

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(f) Each Issuer shall comply with the following:

(i) give the Administrative Agent written notice (or telephonic notice confirmed promptly thereafter in writing), which writing may be a telecopy or electronic mail, of the Issuance of any Letter of Credit Issued by it (including the applicable currency), all drawings under any Letter of Credit Issued by it and of the payment (or the failure to pay when due) by the Borrower of any Reimbursement Obligation when due (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit by telecopy, electronic mail or similar transmission to each Lender);

(ii) upon the request of any Lender, furnish to such Lender copies of any Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement to which such Issuer is a party and such other documentation as may reasonably be requested by such Lender; and

(iii) on the first Business Day of each calendar week, provide to the Administrative Agent (and the Administrative Agent shall provide a copy to each Lender requesting the same) and the Borrower separate schedules for Documentary Letters of Credit and Standby Letters of Credit issued by it, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, setting forth the aggregate Letter of Credit Obligations and applicable currencies, in each case outstanding at the end of each month, and any information requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent relating thereto.

(g) Immediately upon the issuance by an Issuer of a Letter of Credit in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, such Issuer shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each Lender, and each Lender shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from such Issuer, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, to the extent of such Lender’s Ratable Portion, in such Letter of Credit and the obligations of the Borrower with respect thereto (including all Letter of Credit Obligations with respect thereto) and any security therefor and guaranty pertaining thereto.

(h) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Issuer of any Letter of Credit, in each case in the same currency and in an equivalent amount, and, to the extent so financed, all Reimbursement Obligations owing to such Issuer under any Letter of Credit issued for its account no later than (x) on the same Business Day that the Borrower receives written notice from such Issuer that payment has been made under such Letter of Credit in accordance with its terms if such notice is received by the Borrower by 11:00 a.m. and (y) on the next succeeding Business Day after which the Borrower receives written notice from such Issuer that payment has been made under such Letter of Credit in accordance with its terms if such notice is received by the Borrower after 11:00 a.m. (such date described in clause (x) or (y) above, the “Reimbursement Date”), irrespective of any claim, set-off, defense or other right that the Borrower may have at any time against such Issuer or any other Person. In the event that any Issuer makes any payment under any Letter of Credit in accordance with its terms and the Borrower shall not have repaid such amount to such Issuer pursuant to this clause (h) (directly or by application of the deemed Loans described below in this clause (h) or by virtue of the penultimate sentence of this clause (h)) or any such payment by the Borrower is rescinded or set

 

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aside for any reason, such Reimbursement Obligation shall be payable in the applicable currency on demand with interest thereon computed (i) from the date on which such Reimbursement Obligation arose to the Reimbursement Date, at the rate of interest applicable during such period to Loans that are in the same currency which, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars, shall be Base Rate Loans, and, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars, shall be Canadian Prime Rate Loans, and (ii) from the Reimbursement Date until the date of repayment in full, at the rate of interest applicable during such period to past due Loans that are, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars, Base Rate Loans, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars, Canadian Prime Rate Loans, or in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Euros, Eurocurrency Rate Loans, and such Issuer shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, which shall promptly notify each Lender of such failure, and each Lender shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuer the amount of such Lender’s Ratable Portion of such payment in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency. If the Administrative Agent so notifies such Lender prior to 11:00 a.m. on any Business Day, such Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuer its Ratable Portion of the amount of such payment on such Business Day in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency. Upon such payment by a Lender, such Lender shall, except during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default under Section 10.1(f) and notwithstanding whether or not the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.2 shall have been satisfied (which conditions precedent the Lenders hereby irrevocably waive), be deemed to have made a Revolving Loan to the Borrower in the principal amount of such payment. Whenever any Issuer receives from the Borrower a payment of a Reimbursement Obligation as to which the Administrative Agent has received for the account of such Issuer any payment from a Lender pursuant to this clause (h), such Issuer shall pay over to the Administrative Agent any amount received in excess of such Reimbursement Obligation and, upon receipt of such amount, the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay over to each Lender, in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency, an amount equal to such Lender’s Ratable Portion of the amount of such payment adjusted, if necessary, to reflect the respective amounts the Lenders have paid in respect of such Reimbursement Obligation. (A) In the absence of written notice to the contrary from the Borrower, and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement (but without regard to the conditions to borrowing set forth in Section 4.2), Reimbursement Obligations shall be financed when due with Swing Loans or, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars, Base Rate Loans, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars, Canadian Prime Rate Loans, in each case to the Borrower in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting Base Rate Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan or Swing Loan, as the case may be, and (B) in the event that the Borrower has notified the Administrative Agent that it will not so finance any such payments, the Borrower will make payment directly to the applicable Issuer when due. The Administrative Agent shall promptly remit the proceeds from any Loans made pursuant to clause (A) above in reimbursement of a draw under a Letter of Credit to the applicable Issuer.

(i) Each Defaulting Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuer forthwith on demand any such unpaid amount together with interest thereon, for the first Business Day after payment was first due at the Federal Funds Rate and, thereafter, until such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Issuer, at a rate per annum equal to the rate applicable to, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars, Base Rate Loans, in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Canadian Dollars, Canadian Prime Rate Loans, or in the case of Letters of Credit denominated in Euros, Eurocurrency Rate Loans, in each case under the Facility.

 

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(j) The Borrower’s obligations to pay each Reimbursement Obligation and the obligations of the Lenders to make payments to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuers with respect to Letters of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, under any and all circumstances whatsoever, including the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, and irrespective of any of the following:

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or any Loan Document, or any term or provision therein;

(ii) any amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from all or any of the provisions of any Letter of Credit or any Loan Document;

(iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right that the Borrower, any other party guaranteeing, or otherwise obligated with, the Borrower, any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof or any other Person may at any time have against the beneficiary under any Letter of Credit, any Issuer, the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other related or unrelated agreement or transaction;

(iv) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

(v) payment by the Issuer under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not strictly comply, but that does substantially comply, with the terms of such Letter of Credit; and

(vi) any other act or omission to act or delay of any kind of any Issuer, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent or any other Person or any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.4, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of the Borrower’s obligations hereunder.

Any action taken or omitted to be taken by the relevant Issuer under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall not result in any liability of such Issuer to the Borrower or any Lender. In determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof, the Issuers may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary and, in making any payment under any Letter of Credit, the Issuers may rely exclusively on the documents presented to it under such Letter of Credit as to any and all matters set forth therein, including reliance on the amount of any draft presented under such Letter of Credit, whether or not the amount due to the beneficiary thereunder equals the amount of such draft and whether or

 

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not any document presented pursuant to such Letter of Credit proves to be insufficient in any respect, if such document on its face appears to be in order, and whether or not any other statement or any other document presented pursuant to such Letter of Credit proves to be forged or invalid or any statement therein proves to be inaccurate or untrue in any respect whatsoever, and any noncompliance in any immaterial respect of the documents presented under such Letter of Credit with the terms thereof shall, in each case, be deemed not to constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence of the applicable Issuer.

(k) Applicability of ISP and UCP. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the relevant Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued (including any such agreement applicable to a Letter of Credit in respect of the Existing ABL Facility), (i) the rules of the ISP shall apply to each Standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance, shall apply to each Documentary Letter of Credit

(l) All Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued pursuant hereto, and from and after the Effective Date shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions hereof.

SECTION 2.5 Reduction and Termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments.

The Borrower may, upon at least three (3) Business Days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate in whole or reduce in part ratably the unused portions of any Class of Revolving Credit Commitments of the Lenders without premium or penalty other than any amount required to be paid by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.5; provided, however, that each partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of not less than $1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof; provided, further, that no reduction or termination of Commitments having a later maturity shall be permitted on a greater than pro rata basis with commitments having an earlier maturity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed.

SECTION 2.6 Repayment of Loans.

The Borrower promises to repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans (including any Letter of Credit Borrowings) and the Swing Loans on the Revolving Credit Termination Date or earlier, if otherwise required by the terms hereof.

SECTION 2.7 Evidence of Indebtedness.

(a) The Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c), as agent for the Borrower, in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender

 

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shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.

(b) (i) Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Sections 2.7(a) and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Section 2.7a) shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Loans (including the Revolving Credit Notes evidencing such Loans) and the drawn Letters of Credit are registered obligations and the right, title, and interest of the Lenders and the Issuers and their assignees in and to such Loans or drawn Letters of Credit, as the case may be, shall be transferable only upon notation of such transfer in the Register. A Revolving Credit Note shall only evidence the Lender’s or a registered assignee’s right, title and interest in and to the related Loan, and in no event is any such Revolving Credit Note to be considered a bearer instrument or obligation. This Section 2.7(b) and Section 12.2 shall be construed so that the Loans and drawn Letters of Credit are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related regulations (or any successor provisions of the Code or such regulations).

(c) The entries made in the Register and in the accounts therein maintained pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above and Section 12.2 hereof shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided, however, that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligations of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with their terms. In addition, the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuers shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender or as an Issuer, as applicable, for all purposes of this Agreement. Information contained in the Register with respect to any Lender or Issuer shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, such Lender or such Issuer at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, in the event that any Lender requests that the Borrower execute and deliver a promissory note or notes payable to such Lender in order to evidence the Indebtedness owing to such Lender by the Borrower hereunder, the Borrower shall promptly execute and deliver a Revolving Credit Note or Revolving Credit Notes to such Lender evidencing the Loans of such Lender, substantially in the

 

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form of Exhibit B. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Revolving Credit Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto; provided that the failure to do so shall in no way affect the obligations of the Borrower or any other Loan Party under any Loan Document.

SECTION 2.8 Optional Prepayments.

The Borrower may prepay, in the applicable currency, the outstanding principal amount of the Loans and Swing Loans in whole or in part at any time; provided, however, that if any prepayment of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan is made by the Borrower other than on the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan, the Borrower shall also pay any amount owing pursuant to Section 3.5.

SECTION 2.9 Mandatory Prepayments.

(a) If at any time, the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Outstandings exceeds the aggregate Maximum Credit at such time (including as a result of any currency fluctuation), the Borrower shall forthwith, upon notification by the Administrative Agent, prepay, in the applicable currency, the Swing Loans first and then the other Loans then outstanding in an amount equal to such excess. If any such excess remains after repayment in full of the aggregate outstanding Swing Loans and the other Loans, the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the Letter of Credit Obligations in the manner set forth in Section 10.5 in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of 101% of such excess.

(b) If (x) at any time during a Cash Dominion Period or (y) in respect of any Disposition that would result in the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Period, any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries receives any Net Cash Proceeds arising from any Disposition in respect of any Current Asset Collateral outside of the ordinary course of business (other than any Current Asset Collateral that is part of any Disposition permitted by Section 9.5(m)), subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Borrower shall promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days of such receipt) prepay the Loans in an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds (and, to the extent such Net Cash Proceeds exceed the aggregate principal amount of Loans outstanding, Cash Collateralize Letters of Credit in an amount equal to up to 101% of the aggregate maximum drawable amount of such Letters of Credit).

(c) Subject to Section 3.5 hereof, all such payments in respect of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.9 shall be without premium or penalty. All interest accrued on the principal amount of the Loans paid pursuant to this Section 2.9 shall be paid, or may be charged by the Administrative Agent to any loan account(s) of the Borrower, at the Administrative Agent’s option, on the date of such payment. Interest shall accrue and be due, until the next Business Day, if the amount so paid by the Borrower to the bank account designated by the Administrative Agent for such purpose is received in such bank account after 3:00 p.m.

(d) At all times after the occurrence and during the continuance of Cash Dominion Period and notification thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (subject to the provisions of Section 10.3 and to the terms of the Security Agreement), on each Business Day, at or before 1:00 p.m., the Agent shall apply all Same Day Funds credited to the

 

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Concentration Account and all amounts received pursuant to Section 2.9(b), first to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Administrative Agent, the Issuers and the Lenders (other than in connection with Cash Management Obligations, Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements or any Revolving Commitment Increases), pro rata, second to pay interest due and payable in respect of any Loans (including Swing Loans) and any Protective Advances that may be outstanding, pro rata, third to prepay the principal of any Protective Advances that may be outstanding, pro rata, and fourth to prepay the principal of the Loans (including Swing Loans) and to Cash Collateralize outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations, pro rata.

SECTION 2.10 Interest.

(a) Rate of Interest. All Loans and the outstanding amount of all other Obligations owing under the Loan Documents shall bear interest, in the case of any Class of Loans, on the unpaid principal amount thereof from the date such Loans are made and, in the case of such other Obligations, from the date such other Obligations are due and payable until, in all cases, paid in full, except as otherwise provided in clause (c) below, as follows:

(i) if a Base Rate Loan or such other Obligation (except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.10(a)), at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the Base Rate as in effect from time to time and (B) the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans;

(ii) if a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate determined for the applicable Interest Period and (B) the Applicable Margin applicable to Eurocurrency Rate Loans in effect from time to time during such Interest Period;

(iii) if a BA Rate Loan, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the BA Rate determined for the applicable Interest Period and (B) the Applicable Margin applicable to BA Rate Loans in effect from time to time during such Interest Period; and

(iv) if a Canadian Prime Rate Loan, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the Canadian Prime Rate as in effect from time to time and (B) the Applicable Margin for Canadian Prime Rate Loans.

(b) Interest Payments. (i) Interest accrued on each Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loans (in each case, other than Swing Loans) shall be payable in arrears (A) on the first Business Day of each February, May, August and November, commencing on the first such day following the making of such Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, as applicable and (B) if not previously paid in full, at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) of such Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, as applicable, (ii) interest accrued on Swing Loans shall be payable in arrears on the first Business Day of the immediately succeeding calendar month, (iii) interest accrued on each Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan shall be payable in arrears (A) on the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and, if such Interest Period has a duration of more than three (3) months, on each date during such Interest Period occurring every three (3) months from the first day of such Interest Period, (B) upon the payment or prepayment thereof in full or in part and (C) if not previously paid in full, at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan and (iv) interest accrued on the amount of all other Obligations shall be payable on demand from and after the time such Obligation becomes due and payable (whether by acceleration or otherwise).

 

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(c) Default Interest. The Borrower shall pay interest on past due amounts hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws. Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

SECTION 2.11 Conversion/Continuation Option.

(a) The Borrower may elect (i) at any time on any Business Day, to convert Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans (in each case, other than Swing Loans) or any portion thereof to Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, and (ii) at the end of any applicable Interest Period, to convert Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans or any portion thereof into Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, or to continue such Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, or any portion thereof for an additional Interest Period; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of the Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans for each Interest Period must be in the amount of at least $500,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each conversion or continuation shall be allocated among the Loans of each Lender in accordance with such Lender’s Ratable Portion. Each such election shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit F (a “Notice of Conversion or Continuation”) and shall be made by giving the Administrative Agent at least two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice specifying (A) the amount and type of Loan being converted or continued, (B) in the case of a conversion to or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, the applicable Interest Period and (C) in the case of a conversion, the date of such conversion.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of a Notice of Conversion or Continuation and of the options selected therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders may require by notice to the Borrower that no conversion in whole or in part of Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, to Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, and no continuation in whole or in part of Eurocurrency Rate Loans (other than Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Euros) or BA Rate Loans upon the expiration of any applicable Interest Period shall be permitted at any time at which (A) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or (B) the continuation of, or conversion into, a Eurocurrency Rate Loan (other than Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Euros) or BA Rate Loans would violate any provision of Section 2.14; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, during any time at which (x) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or (y) the continuation of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Euros would violate any provision of Section 2.14, the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders may require by notice to the Borrower that all Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Euros shall convert to, or be continued as, as the case may be, Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Euros with an Interest Period of one (1) month. If, within the time period required under the terms of this Section 2.11, the Administrative Agent does not receive a Notice of Conversion or Continuation from the Borrower containing a permitted election to continue any Eurocurrency Rate Loans (other than Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Euros) or BA Rate Loans for an additional Interest Period or to convert any such Loans, then, upon the expiration of the applicable Interest Period, such Loans shall be automatically converted to Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable. Each Notice of Conversion or Continuation shall be irrevocable.

 

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SECTION 2.12 Fees.

(a) Unused Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay in Same Day Funds in Dollars to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee (the “Unused Commitment Fee”) on the average daily amount by which the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender exceeds such Lender’s Ratable Portion of the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans for the applicable Class and (ii) the outstanding amount of the aggregate Letter of Credit Undrawn Amounts from the Effective Date through the Revolving Credit Termination Date at the Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Rate, payable in arrears (x) on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter, commencing on the first such Business Day following the Effective Date and (y) on the Revolving Credit Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, any Swing Loans outstanding shall reduce the Revolving Credit Commitment of the Swing Loan Lender in its capacity as a Lender.

(b) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay the following amounts with respect to Letters of Credit issued by any Issuer:

(i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Issuer of a Letter of Credit, with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuer, an issuance fee equal to 0.125% per annum of the Dollar Equivalent of the average daily maximum undrawn face amount of such Letter of Credit for the immediately preceding calendar quarter (or portion thereof), payable in arrears (A) on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter, commencing on the first such Business Day following the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (B) on the Revolving Credit Termination Date;

(ii) to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, with respect to each Letter of Credit, a fee accruing in Dollars at a rate per annum equal to (x) in the case of each Standby Letter of Credit, the Applicable Margin for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (y) in the case of each Documentary Letter of Credit, 50% of the Applicable Margin for Eurocurrency Rate Loans (each such fee, a “Letter of Credit Fee”), in each case multiplied by the Dollar Equivalent average daily maximum undrawn face amount of such Letter of Credit for the immediately preceding calendar quarter (or portion thereof), payable in arrears (A) on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter, commencing on the first such Business Day following the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (B) on the Revolving Credit Termination Date; provided, however, that any Letter of Credit Fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral satisfactory to the applicable Issuer pursuant to Section 2.4 shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Applicable Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iv), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the applicable Issuer for its own account; and

 

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(iii) to the Issuer of any Letter of Credit, with respect to the issuance, amendment or transfer of each Letter of Credit and each drawing made thereunder, customary documentary and processing charges in accordance with such Issuer’s standard schedule for such charges in effect at the time of issuance, amendment, transfer or drawing, as the case may be.

(c) Additional Fees. The Borrower has agreed to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers additional fees, the amount and dates of payment of which are embodied in the Fee Letter.

SECTION 2.13 Payments and Computations.

(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. The Borrower shall make each payment and prepayment hereunder (including fees and expenses) not later than 2:00 p.m. on the day when due, (i) in the case of Loans, in the currency in which such Loan is denominated, (ii) in the case of Reimbursement Obligations, in the currency of the applicable Letter of Credit, (iii) in the case of any accrued interest payable on a Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, in the currency of such Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, as applicable, and (iv) in the case of all other payments under each Loan Document, in Dollars except as otherwise expressly provided herein or therein, in each case to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office for payment and in Same Day Funds without condition or deduction for any defense, recoupment, set-off or counterclaim. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall, in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.

(b) All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans and Canadian Prime Rate Loans shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

(c) [reserved ]

(d) Whenever any payment hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, the due date for such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided, however, that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan to be

 

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made in the next calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day. All repayments of any Loans shall be applied as follows: first, to repay any such Loans outstanding as Base Rate Loans and Canadian Prime Rate Loans and then, to repay any such Loans outstanding as Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans, with those Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, having earlier expiring Interest Periods being repaid prior to those having later expiring Interest Periods.

(e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower to the Lenders prior to the date on which any payment is due hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have made such payment to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency, then each Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the portion of such assumed payment that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds in the applicable currency at the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.

(f) Except for payments and other amounts received by the Administrative Agent and applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.2(b) below (or required to be applied in accordance with Section 2.9), all payments and any other amounts received by the Administrative Agent from or for the benefit of the Borrower shall be applied as follows: first, to pay principal of, and interest on, any portion of the Loans the Administrative Agent may have advanced pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement on behalf of any Lender, for which the Administrative Agent has not then been reimbursed by such Lender or the Borrower, second, to pay all other Obligations then due and payable and third, as the Borrower so designates. Payments in respect of Swing Loans received by the Administrative Agent shall be distributed to the Swing Loan Lender; payments in respect of Loans received by the Administrative Agent shall be distributed to each Lender in accordance with such Lender’s Ratable Portion; and all payments of fees and all other payments in respect of any other Obligation shall be allocated among such of the Lenders and Issuers as are entitled thereto and, for such payments allocated to the Lenders, in proportion to their respective Ratable Portions.

(g) At the option of the Administrative Agent, principal on the Swing Loans, Reimbursement Obligations, interest, fees, expenses and other sums due and payable in respect of the Loans and Protective Advances may be paid from the proceeds of Swing Loans or the Revolving Loans unless the Borrower makes such payments on the next succeeding Business Day after the Borrower receives written notice from the Administrative Agent requesting such payments. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Swing Loan Lender to make such Swing Loans pursuant to Section 2.3(a) and the Lenders to make such Loans pursuant to Section 2.2(a) from time to time in the amounts of any and all principal payable with respect to the Swing Loans, Reimbursement Obligations, interest, fees, expenses and other sums payable in respect of the Loans and Protective Advances, and further authorizes the Administrative Agent to give the

 

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Lenders notice of any Borrowing with respect to such Swing Loans and the Revolving Loans and to distribute the proceeds of such Swing Loans and the Revolving Loans to pay such amounts. The Borrower agrees that all such Swing Loans and the Revolving Loans so made shall be deemed to have been requested by it (irrespective of the satisfaction of the conditions in Section 4.2, which conditions the Lenders irrevocably waive) and directs that all proceeds thereof shall be used to pay such amounts.

(h) No Loan may be converted into or continued as a Loan denominated in a different currency, but instead must be repaid or prepaid in the original currency of such Loan and reborrowed in the other currency.

SECTION 2.14 Special Provisions Governing Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans.

(a) Determination of Interest Rate.

The Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate for each Interest Period for Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the procedures set forth in the definition of “Eurocurrency Rate” and the BA Rate for each Interest Period for BA Rate Loans shall be determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the procedures set forth in the definition of “BA Rate”. The Administrative Agent’s determination shall be presumed to be correct and binding on the Loan Parties, absent manifest error.

(b) Interest Rate Unascertainable, Inadequate or Unfair.

In the event that (i) the Administrative Agent reasonably determines that adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rates by reference to which the Eurocurrency Rate or BA Rate then being determined is to be fixed or (ii) the Requisite Lenders reasonably determine and notify the Administrative Agent that the Eurocurrency Rate or BA Rate for any Interest Period will not adequately reflect the cost to the Lenders of making or maintaining such Loans for such Interest Period, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon each Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars or BA Rate Loan shall automatically, on the last day of the current Interest Period for such Loan, convert into a Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, as applicable, and the obligations of the Lenders to make Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, or to convert Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, into Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower that the Requisite Lenders have determined that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

SECTION 2.15 Revolving Commitment Increase.

(a) The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Effective Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request one or more increases in the amount of any Class of Revolving Credit Commitments (each such increase, a “Revolving Commitment Increase”); provided that upon the effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment referred to below, no Default or Event of Default shall exist. Each Revolving Commitment Increase shall be

 

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in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $25,000,000 (provided that such amount may be less than $25,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the next sentence). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitment Increases shall not exceed $75,000,000 (the “Incremental Availability”). Each notice from the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Revolving Commitment Increases. Revolving Commitment Increases may be provided by any existing Lender (it being understood that no existing Lender will have an obligation to provide a portion of any Revolving Commitment Increase), in each case on terms permitted in this Section 2.15 and otherwise on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent or by any other bank or other financial institution or institutional lender or investor (any such other bank or other financial institution or institutional lender or investor being called an “Additional Lender”), provided that the Administrative Agent, each Issuer and the Swing Loan Lender shall have consented (in each case, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) to such Lender’s or Additional Lender’s providing such Revolving Commitment Increases if such consent by the Administrative Agent, the applicable Issuer and the Swing Loan Lender, as the case may be, would be required under Section 12.2(b) for an assignment of Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments to such Lender or Additional Lender. Revolving Credit Commitments in respect of Revolving Commitment Increases shall become Revolving Credit Commitments (or in the case of a Revolving Commitment Increase to be provided by an existing Lender, an increase in such Lender’s applicable Revolving Credit Commitment) under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “Incremental Amendment”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by Holdings, the Borrower, each Lender agreeing to provide such Revolving Credit Commitment, if any, each Additional Lender, if any, and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section. The effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (each, an “Incremental Facility Effective Date”) of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 (it being understood that all references to “the date of such Loan or Issuance” or similar language in such Section 4.2 shall be deemed to refer to the effective date of such Incremental Amendment) and such other conditions as the parties thereto shall agree. Any Revolving Commitment Increase shall be documented as an increase to the Facility and shall be on terms identical to those applicable to the Facility, except with respect to any commitment, arrangement, upfront or similar fees that may be agreed to among the Borrower and the lenders agreeing to participate in such Revolving Commitment Increase. The Borrower shall use Revolving Commitment Increases for any purpose not prohibited by this Agreement. Upon each increase in the Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.15, (x) each Lender of the applicable Class immediately prior to such increase will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assigned to each Lender providing a portion of the Revolving Commitment Increase of the applicable Class (each a “Revolving Commitment Increase Lender”) in respect of such increase, and each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assumed, a portion of such Lender’s participations hereunder in outstanding Letters of Credit and Swing Loans such that, after giving effect to each such deemed assignment and assumption of participations, the percentage of the aggregate outstanding (i) participations hereunder in Letters of Credit, (ii) participations hereunder in

 

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Swing Loans held by each Lender of the applicable Class and (iii) participations in Protective Advances held by each Lender of the applicable Class (including each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender) will equal the percentage of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Lenders of such Class represented by such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (y) if, on the date of such increase, there are any Revolving Loans of such Class outstanding, such Revolving Loans shall on or prior to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase be prepaid from the proceeds of additional Revolving Loans of such Class made hereunder (reflecting such increase in Revolving Credit Commitments of such Class), which prepayment shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the Revolving Loans of such Class being prepaid and any costs incurred by any Lender in accordance with Section 3.5. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree that the minimum borrowing, pro rata borrowing and pro rata payment requirements contained elsewhere in this Agreement shall not apply to the transactions effected pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

(b) This Section 2.15 shall supersede any provisions in Section 12.1 or Section 12.7 to the contrary.

SECTION 2.16 Defaulting Lenders.

(a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

(i) Waivers and Amendments. That Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 12.1.

(ii) Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article X or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 12.6), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to any Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by any Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender, to be held as cash collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swing Loan or Letter of Credit; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, any Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, any Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of

 

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that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or Letter of Credit Borrowings in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or Letter of Credit Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and Letter of Credit Borrowings owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or Letter of Credit Borrowings owed to, that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.16(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii) Certain Fees. That Defaulting Lender (x) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.12(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender for such period) and (y) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit Fees as provided in Section 2.12(b).

(iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Loans pursuant to Sections 2.3 and 2.4, the “Applicable Percentage” of each non-Defaulting Lender shall be computed without giving effect to the Revolving Credit Commitment of that Defaulting Lender; provided that (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default exists; and (ii) the aggregate obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (1) the Revolving Credit Commitment of that non-Defaulting Lender minus (2) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Loans of that Lender.

(b) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Swing Loan Lender and the Issuers agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the

 

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Revolving Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)), whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower for the period that such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided further that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

(c) Cash Collateral. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the applicable Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

SECTION 2.17 Extensions of Loans.

(a) Extension of Revolving Credit Commitments. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Class (each, an “Existing Revolver Tranche”) be amended to extend the Scheduled Termination Date with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Revolving Credit Commitments (any such Revolving Credit Commitments which have been so amended, “Extended Revolving Credit Commitments”) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.17; provided that there shall be no more than three (3) Classes of Loans and Commitments outstanding at any time. In order to establish any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Revolver Tranche) (each, a “Extension Request”) setting forth the proposed terms (which shall be determined in consultation with the Administrative Agent) of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Revolver Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Revolver Tranche and (y) be identical to the Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche from which such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments are to be amended, except that: (i) the Scheduled Termination Date of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments shall be later than the Scheduled Termination Date of the Revolving Credit Commitments of such Existing Revolver Tranche, (ii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments); and (iii) all borrowings under the Revolving Credit Commitments and repayments thereunder shall be made on a pro rata basis (except for (I) payments of interest and fees at different rates on Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (and related outstandings) and (II) repayments required upon the Revolving Credit Termination Date of the non-extending Revolving Credit Commitments); provided, further, that (A) the conditions precedent to a Borrowing set forth in Section 4.2 shall be satisfied as of the date of such Extension Amendment and at the time when any Loans are made in respect of any Extended Revolving Credit

 

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Commitment, (B) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any other Revolving Credit Commitments hereunder, (C) any such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect) and (D) all documentation in respect of the such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing. Any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments amended pursuant to any Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a “Extension Series”) of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments amended from an Existing Revolver Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Extension Series with respect to such Existing Revolver Tranche. Each Extension Series of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments incurred under this Section 2.17 shall be in an aggregate principal amount equal to not less than $50,000,000.

(b) Extension Request. The Borrower shall provide the applicable Extension Request at least five (5) Business Days (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent) prior to the date on which Lenders under the Existing Revolver Tranche are requested to respond, and shall agree to such procedures, if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, in each case acting reasonably, to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.17. No Lender shall have any obligation to agree to provide any Extended Revolving Credit Commitment pursuant to any Extension Request. Any Revolving Credit Lender (each, an “Extending Revolving Credit Lender”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche subject to such Extension Request amended into Extended Revolving Credit Commitments shall notify the Administrative Agent (each, an “Extension Election”) on or prior to the date specified in such Extension Request of the amount of its Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche which it has elected to request be amended into Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (subject to any minimum denomination requirements imposed by the Administrative Agent). In the event that the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche in respect of which applicable Revolving Credit Lenders shall have accepted the relevant Extension Request exceeds the amount of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments requested to be extended pursuant to the Extension Request, Revolving Credit Commitments subject to Extension Elections shall be amended to reflect allocations of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, which Extended Revolving Credit Commitments shall be allocated as agreed by Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

(c) New Revolving Commitment Lenders. Following any Extension Request made by the Borrower in accordance with Sections 2.17(a) and 2.17(b), if the Lenders shall have declined to agree during the period specified in Section 2.17(b) above to provide Extended Revolving Credit Commitments in an aggregate principal amount equal to the amount requested by the Borrower in such Extension Request, the Borrower may request that banks, financial institutions or other institutional lenders or investors other than the Lenders or Extended Revolving Credit Lenders (the “New Revolving Commitment Lenders”), which New Revolving Commitment Lenders may elect to provide an Extended Revolving Credit Commitment hereunder; provided that such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of such New Revolving Commitment Lenders (i) shall be in an aggregate principal amount for all such New Revolving

 

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Commitment Lenders not to exceed the aggregate principal amount of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments so declined to be provided by the existing Lenders and (ii) shall be on identical terms to the terms applicable to the terms specified in the applicable Extension Request (and any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments provided by existing Lenders in respect thereof); provided further that, as a condition to the effectiveness of any Extended Revolving Credit Commitment of any New Revolving Commitment Lender, the Administrative Agent, each Issuer and the Swing Loan Lender shall have consented (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) to each New Revolving Commitment Lender if such consent would be required under Section 12.2(b)(iii) for an assignment of Revolving Credit Commitments to such Person. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Extended Revolving Credit Commitment provided by New Revolving Commitment Lenders shall be pro rata to each New Revolving Commitment Lender. Upon effectiveness of the Extension Amendment to which each such New Revolving Commitment Lender is a party, (a) the Revolving Credit Commitments of all existing Revolving Credit Lenders of each Class specified in the Extension Amendment in accordance with this Section 2.17 will be permanently reduced pro rata by an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of such New Revolving Commitment Lenders and (b) the Revolving Credit Commitment of each such New Revolving Commitment Lender will become effective. The Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of New Revolving Commitment Lenders will be incorporated as Revolving Credit Commitments hereunder in the same manner in which Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of existing Lenders are incorporated hereunder pursuant to this Section 2.17, and for the avoidance of doubt, all Borrowings and repayments of Revolving Loans from and after the effectiveness of such Extension Amendment shall be made pro rata across all Classes of Revolving Credit Commitments including such New Revolving Commitment Lenders (based on the outstanding principal amounts of the respective Classes of Revolving Credit Commitments) except for (x) payments of interest and fees at different rates for each Class of Revolving Credit Commitments (and related Outstanding Amounts) and (y) repayments required on the Revolving Credit Termination Date for any particular Class of Revolving Credit Commitments. Upon the effectiveness of each New Revolving Credit Commitment pursuant to this Section 2.17(c), (a) each Revolving Credit Lender of all applicable existing Classes of Revolving Credit Commitments immediately prior to such effectiveness will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assigned to each New Revolving Commitment Lender, and each such New Revolving Commitment Lender will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assumed, a portion of such Revolving Credit Lender’s participations hereunder in outstanding Letters of Credit and Swing Loans such that, after giving effect to each such deemed assignment and assumption of participations, subject to Section 2.16, the percentage of the outstanding (i) participations hereunder in Letters of Credit and (ii) participations hereunder in Swing Loans held by each Revolving Credit Lender of each Class of Revolving Credit Commitments (including each such New Revolving Commitment Lender) will equal the percentage of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Classes of Revolving Credit Lenders represented by such Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and (b) if, on the date of such effectiveness, there are any Revolving Loans outstanding, such Revolving Loans shall on or prior to the effectiveness of such New Revolving Credit Commitment be prepaid from the proceeds of Loans outstanding after giving effect to such New Revolving Credit Commitments, which prepayment shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the Revolving Loans being prepaid and any costs incurred by any Lender in accordance with Section 3.5. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree that the minimum borrowing, pro rata borrowing and pro rata payment requirements contained elsewhere in this Agreement shall not apply to the transactions effected pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.

 

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(d) Extension Amendment. Extended Revolving Credit Commitments and New Revolving Credit Commitments shall be established pursuant to an amendment (each, an “Extension Amendment”) to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Extending Revolving Credit Lender and each New Revolving Commitment Lender, if any, providing an Extended Revolving Credit Commitment or a New Revolving Credit Commitment, as applicable, thereunder, which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in Sections 2.17(a), (b) and (c) above (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). The effectiveness of any Extension Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Sections 4.2(a) and (b) and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a Change in Law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent in order to ensure that the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments or the New Revolving Credit Commitments, as the case may be, are provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Extension Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to an Extension Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments or the New Revolving Credit Commitments, as the case may be, incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (without the consent of the Requisite Lenders) and (iii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section, and the Requisite Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Extension Amendment.

(e) No conversion of Loans pursuant to any Extension in accordance with this Section 2.17 shall constitute a voluntary or mandatory payment or prepayment for purposes of this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

TAXES, INCREASED COSTS PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

SECTION 3.1 Taxes.

(a) Except as required by law, any and all payments by the Borrower (the term “Borrower” under this Article III being deemed to include any Subsidiary for whose account a Letter of Credit is issued) or any Guarantor to or for the account of any Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any

 

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and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges, and all liabilities (including additions to tax, penalties and interest) with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Agent and each Lender, (i) taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated, and including branch profits and similar taxes), and franchise or similar taxes, imposed by the United States, the jurisdiction under the laws of which it is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (ii) taxes imposed by reason of any connection between such Agent or Lender and any taxing jurisdiction other than a connection arising solely by executing or entering into any Loan Document, receiving payments thereunder or having been a party to, performed its obligations under, or enforced, any Loan Documents, (iii) subject to Section 3.1(e), any U.S. federal tax that is (or would be) required to be withheld with respect to amounts payable hereunder in respect of an Eligible Assignee (pursuant to an assignment under Section 12.2) on the date it becomes an Eligible Assignee to the extent such tax is in excess of the tax that would have been applicable had such assigning Lender not assigned its interest arising under any Loan Document (unless such assignment is at the express written request of the Borrower), (iv) any U.S. federal withholding taxes imposed as a result of the failure of any Agent or Lender to comply with the provisions of Sections 3.1(b) and 3.1(c) (in the case of any Foreign Lender, as defined below) or the provisions of Section 3.1(d) (in the case of any U.S. Lender, as defined below), (v) any taxes imposed on any amount payable to or for the account of any Agent or Lender as a result of the failure of such recipient to satisfy the applicable requirements under FATCA, to establish that such payment is exempt from withholding under FATCA, (vi) amounts excluded pursuant to Section 3.1(e) hereto, and (vii) penalties and interest on the foregoing amounts (all such non-excluded taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “Taxes”). If the Borrower or a Guarantor is required to deduct any Taxes or Other Taxes (as defined below) from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.1(a)), each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower or Guarantor shall make such deductions, (iii) the Borrower or Guarantor shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxing authority, and (iv) within thirty (30) days after the date of such payment (or, if receipts or evidence are not available within thirty (30) days, as soon as practicable thereafter), the Borrower or Guarantor shall furnish to such Agent or Lender (as the case may be) the original or a facsimile copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof to the extent such a receipt has been made available to the Borrower or Guarantor (or other evidence of payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent). If the Borrower or Guarantor fails to pay any Taxes or Other Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to any Agent or any Lender the required receipts or other required documentary evidence that has been made available to the Borrower or Guarantor, the Borrower or Guarantor shall indemnify such Agent and such Lender for any incremental Taxes that may become payable by such Agent or such Lender arising out of such failure.

(b) To the extent it is legally able to do so, each Agent or Lender (including an Eligible Assignee to which a Lender assigns its interest in accordance with Section 12.2) that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (each, a “Foreign Lender”) agrees to complete and deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent

 

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on or prior to the date on which the Agent or Lender (or Eligible Assignee) becomes a party hereto, two (2) accurate, complete and original signed copies of whichever of the following is applicable: (i) IRS Form W-8BEN certifying that it is entitled to benefits under an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party; (ii) IRS Form W-8ECI certifying that the income receivable pursuant to any Loan Document is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States; (iii) if the Foreign Lender is not (A) a bank described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a 10-percent shareholder described in Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower within the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code, a certificate to that effect in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit O (a “Non-Bank Certificate”) and an IRS Form W-8BEN, certifying that the Foreign Lender is not a United States person; (iv) to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes, IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by, as and to the extent applicable, a Form W-8BEN, Form W-8ECI, Non-Bank Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY (or other successor forms) and any other required supporting information from each beneficial owner (it being understood that a Lender need not provide certificates or supporting documentation from beneficial owners if (x) the Lender is a “qualified intermediary” or “withholding foreign partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) such Lender is as a result able to establish, and does establish, that payments to such Lender are, to the extent applicable, entitled to an exemption from or, if an exemption is not available, a reduction in the rate of, U.S. federal withholding taxes without providing such certificates or supporting documentation); or (v) any other form prescribed by applicable requirements of U.S. federal income tax law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable requirements of law to permit the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

(c) In addition, each such Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, (i) promptly submit to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent two (2) accurate, complete and original signed copies of such other or additional forms or certificates (or such successor forms or certificates as shall be adopted from time to time by the relevant taxing authorities) as may then be applicable or available to secure an exemption from or reduction in the rate of U.S. federal withholding tax (A) on or before the date that such Lender’s most recently delivered form, certificate or other evidence expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, (B) after the occurrence of a change in the Foreign Lender’s circumstances requiring a change in the most recent form, certificate or evidence previously delivered by it to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (C) from time to time thereafter if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, and (ii) promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any change in the Foreign Lender’s circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

(d) Each Agent or Lender that is a “United States person” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code) (each a “U.S. Lender”) agrees to complete and deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent two (2) original copies of accurate, complete and signed IRS Form W-9 or successor form certifying that such Agent or Lender is not subject to United States backup withholding tax (i) on or prior to the Effective Date (or on or prior to the date it becomes a party to this Agreement), (ii) on or before the date that such form expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, (iii) after the occurrence of a change in the Agent’s or Lender’s circumstances requiring a change in the most recent form previously delivered by it to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (iv) from time to time thereafter if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent.

 

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(e) Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary (but subject to the succeeding sentence), if a Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent is subject to any U.S. federal tax that is (or would be) required to be withheld with respect to amounts payable hereunder at a rate in excess of zero percent at the time such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent becomes a party to this Agreement or otherwise acquires an interest in the Loan, or pursuant to a law or other legal requirement in effect at such time (including a law with a delayed effective date), such tax (including additions to tax, penalties and interest imposed with respect to such tax) shall be considered excluded from Taxes (unless and until such time as such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent subsequently provides forms and certifications that establish to the reasonable satisfaction of Borrower and the Administrative Agent that such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent is subject to a lower rate of tax, at which time tax at such lower rate (including additions to tax, penalties and interest imposed with respect to such tax) shall be considered so excluded for periods during which such forms and certifications remain valid and are sufficient, under the law in effect at the time such forms and certifications are provided (including any law with a delayed effective date), to establish that such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent is subject to such lower rate of tax) except, in the case of an Eligible Assignee, to the extent the Lender’s assignor was entitled to additional amounts or indemnity payments immediately prior to the assignment (unless such assignment is made at the express written request of the Borrower). Further, the Borrower shall not be required pursuant to this Section 3.1 to pay any additional amount to, or to indemnify, any Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent, as the case may be, to the extent that such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent becomes subject to Taxes subsequent to the Effective Date (or, if later, the date such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent becomes a party to this Agreement or otherwise acquires an interest in the Loan) solely as a result of a change in the place of organization or place of doing business of such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent (or any applicable beneficial owner), a change in the Lending Office of such Lender or Eligible Assignee (or any applicable beneficial owner) (other than at the written request of the Borrower to change such Lending Office), a change that results in such Lender or Eligible Assignee (or any applicable beneficial owner) being described in clauses (A), (B) or (C) of Section 3.1(b)(iii) or otherwise as a result of any change in the circumstances of such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent, other than a Change in Law, occurring after the date that such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Agent becomes a party to this Agreement or otherwise acquires an interest in the Loan.

(f) The Borrower agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise, property, intangible or mortgage recording taxes or charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document (including additions to tax, penalties and interest related thereto) excluding, in each case, such amounts that result from an Assignment and Assumption, grant of a Participation, transfer or assignment to or designation of a new applicable Lending Office or other office for receiving payments under any Loan Document, except to the extent that any such change is requested in writing by the Borrower (all such non-excluded taxes described in this Section 3.1(f) being hereinafter referred to as “Other Taxes”).

 

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(g) If any Taxes or Other Taxes are directly asserted against any Agent or Lender with respect to any payment received by such Agent or Lender in respect of any Loan Document, such Agent or Lender may pay such Taxes or Other Taxes and the Borrower will promptly indemnify and hold harmless such Agent or Lender for the full amount of such Taxes and Other Taxes (and any Taxes and Other Taxes imposed on amounts payable under this Section 3.1), and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted. Payments under this Section 3.1(g) shall be made within ten (10) days after the date Borrower receives written demand for payment from such Agent or Lender.

(h) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.1 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent.

(i) If the Borrower determines in good faith that a reasonable basis exists for contesting any taxes for which indemnification has been demanded hereunder, the relevant Lender or the relevant Agent, as applicable, shall cooperate with the Borrower in a reasonable challenge of such taxes if so requested by the Borrower, provided that (a) such Lender or Agent determines in its reasonable discretion that it would not be prejudiced by cooperating in such challenge, (b) the Borrower pays all related expenses of such Agent or Lender and (c) the Borrower indemnifies such Lender or Agent for any liabilities or other costs incurred by such party in connection with such challenge.

(j) If any Agent or any Lender determines, in its reasonable discretion, that it has received or is entitled to receive a refund in respect of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or Holdings, as the case may be or with respect to which the Borrower or Holdings, as the case may be has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.1, it shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such refund (to the extent not yet received) (provided that doing so would not otherwise materially disadvantage the Agent or Lender) and it shall promptly remit such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower or Holdings, as the case may be under this Section 3.1 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Borrower or Holdings, as the case may be, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower or Holdings, as the case may be (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. The Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, shall provide the Borrower with a copy of any notice of assessment or other evidence reasonably available of the requirement to repay such refund received from the relevant Governmental Authority (provided that such Lender or the Administrative Agent may delete any information therein that such Lender or the Administrative Agent deems confidential in its reasonable discretion). This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it reasonably deems confidential) to the Borrower, Holdings or any other Person.

 

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(k) Each Lender agrees that, upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 3.1(a) or (g) with respect to such Lender, it will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts (subject to legal and regulatory restrictions) to mitigate the effect of any such event, including by designating another Lending Office for any Loan affected by such event and by completing and delivering or filing any tax-related forms which such Lender is legally able to deliver and which would reduce or eliminate any amount of Taxes or Other Taxes required to be deducted or withheld or paid by the Borrower; provided that such efforts are made at the Borrower’s expense and on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, and provided further that nothing in this Section 3.1(k) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (g).

(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may deduct and withhold any taxes required by any Laws to be deducted and withheld from any payment under any of the Loan Documents, subject to the provisions of this Section 3.1.

(m) With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under this Section 3.1, the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided that, if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

(n) The agreements in this Section 3.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

SECTION 3.2 Illegality. If any Lender reasonably determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurocurrency Rate or the BA Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, BA Rate or Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, or to convert Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable, to Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent

 

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and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, and shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, of such Lender to Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable (and the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component of the Base Rate with respect to any Base Rate Loans, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

SECTION 3.3 Inability to Determine Rates. If the Requisite Lenders reasonably determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or a BA Rate Loan, as applicable, or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) deposits (whether in Dollars or the applicable Alternative Currency) are not being offered to banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan (or BA Rate Loan, as applicable), (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurocurrency Rate or BA Rate Loan, as the case may be, for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan, as the case may be, or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, as the case may be, or (c) the Eurocurrency Rate or BA Rate, as applicable, for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan, as applicable, does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loan, as applicable, shall be suspended, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Requisite Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans, as applicable, or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, as the case may be, in the amount specified therein.

 

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SECTION 3.4 Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans and BA Rate Loans.

(a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender or any Issuer;

(ii) subject any Lender or any Issuer to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the Issuer in respect thereof (except for Taxes covered by Section 3.1 and any taxes and other amounts described in clauses (i) through (vii) of the first sentence of Section 3.1(a) that are imposed with respect to payments for or on account of any Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document, and except for Other Taxes); or

(iii) impose on any Lender or any Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein, in each case that is not otherwise accounted for in the definition of Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate or this clause (a);

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurocurrency Rate or BA Rate (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or such Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender or Issuer setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

(b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender or any Issuer reasonably determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or such Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or such Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or such Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Revolving Credit Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuer or such Lender’s or such Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time upon demand

 

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of such Lender or such Issuer setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuer or such Lender’s or such Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

(c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or an Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section 3.4 and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

(d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.4 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.4 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or such Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

(e) Without duplication of any reserves specified in the definition of “Eurocurrency Rate”, the Borrower shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio requirement or analogous requirement of any central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Aggregate Commitments or the funding of the Eurocurrency Rate Loans, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Company shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional costs from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant interest payment date, such additional costs shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.

SECTION 3.5 Funding Losses. Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, which demand shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for requesting such amount, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan or a Canadian Prime Rate Loan on a day prior to the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);

 

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(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan or a Canadian Prime Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or

(c) any assignment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan on a day prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.7;

including any loss or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits or margin) actually incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.

SECTION 3.6 Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation.

(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.4, or the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender, any Issuer, or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender or any Issuer pursuant to Section 3.1, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.2, then such Lender or such Issuer shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender or such Issuer, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.4, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.2, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender or such Issuer, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or such Issuer, as the case may be in any material economic, legal or regulatory respect.

(b) Suspension of Lender Obligations. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.4, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans from one Interest Period to another Interest Period, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.6(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.

(c) Conversion of Eurocurrency Rate Loans. If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.2, 3.3 or 3.4 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of such Lender’s Eurocurrency Rate Loans no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Eurocurrency Rate Loans made by

 

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other Lenders are outstanding, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans of a given Class held by the Lenders of such Class holding Eurocurrency Rate Loans and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares.

SECTION 3.7 Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances.

If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.4 or ceases to make Eurocurrency Rate Loans or BA Rate Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.2 or Section 3.4, (ii) the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.1, (iii) any Lender is a Non-Consenting Lender or (iv) any other circumstance exists hereunder that gives the Borrower the right to replace a Lender as a party hereto, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 12.2), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to one or more Eligible Assignees that shall assume such obligations (any of which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

(a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 12.2(b)(iv);

(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.5) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(c) such Lender being replaced pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans, and (ii) deliver any Revolving Credit Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent (or a lost or destroyed note indemnity in lieu thereof); provided that the failure of any such Lender to execute an Assignment and Assumption or deliver such Revolving Credit Notes shall not render such sale and purchase (and the corresponding assignment) invalid and such assignment shall be recorded in the Register and the Revolving Credit Notes shall be deemed to be canceled upon such failure;

(d) the Eligible Assignee shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Revolving Credit Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender;

 

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(e) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.4 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.1, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

(f) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.

In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of each Lender, all affected Lenders or all the Lenders or all affected Lenders with respect to a certain Class or Classes of the Loans and (iii) the Requisite Lenders or the requisite Lenders of the applicable Class or Classes of the Loans, have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “Non-Consenting Lender.”

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

SECTION 3.8 Survival. All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder and resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Swing Loan Lender or any Issuer.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

SECTION 4.1 Conditions Precedent to Effective Date.

The effectiveness of this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction or due waiver in accordance with Section 12.1 of each of the following conditions precedent, except as otherwise agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (the date on which such conditions are satisfied or waived being herein in accordance with Section 12.1 shall be the “Effective Date”):

(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or facsimiles (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its legal counsel:

(i) a Notice of Borrowing in accordance with the requirements hereof;

(ii) executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Guaranty;

(iii) a Revolving Credit Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender that has requested a Note at least two (2) Business Days in advance of the Effective Date;

 

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(iv) each Collateral Document set forth on Schedule 1.1A required to be executed on the Effective Date as indicated on such schedule, duly executed by each Loan Party thereto, together with:

(A) copies of certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity referred to therein accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank;

(B) to the extent required under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, opinions of local counsel for the Loan Parties in states in which the Mortgaged Properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

(C) evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings that the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(v) [reserved];

(vi) such certificates of good standing from the applicable secretary of state of the state of organization of each Loan Party, certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party on the Effective Date;

(vii) an opinion from Ropes & Gray LLP, New York counsel to the Loan Parties substantially in the form of Exhibit G;

(viii) a solvency certificate from the chief financial officer of the Borrower (after giving effect to the Transaction) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit M;

(ix) evidence that all insurance (including title insurance) required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect and that the Collateral Agent has been named as loss payee and/or additional insured, as applicable, under each insurance policy with respect to such insurance as to which the Collateral Agent shall have requested to be so named;

(x) certified copies of the Merger Agreement and schedules and other attachments thereto, duly executed by the parties thereto, together with all material agreements, instruments and other documents delivered in connection therewith as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request, each including certification by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower that such documents are in full force and effect as of the Effective Date and that the condition specified in clause (c) below has been satisfied;

 

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(xi) copies of a recent Lien and judgment search in each jurisdiction reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent with respect to the Loan Parties; and

(xii) a Borrowing Base Certificate, certified as complete and correct in all respects, which calculates the Borrowing Base as of the last Business Day of the most recent month ended at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Effective Date;

provided, however, that, each of the requirements set forth in clauses (iv) and (ix) (with respect to title insurance) above, including the delivery of documents and instruments necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement (except for the execution and delivery of the Security Agreement and to the extent that a Lien on such Collateral may be perfected (x) by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or (y) by the delivery of stock certificates of the Borrower and its wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries) shall not constitute conditions precedent to the Borrowing on the Effective Date after the Borrower’s use of commercially reasonable efforts, without undue burden or cost, to provide such items on or prior to the Effective Date if the Borrower agrees to deliver, or cause to be delivered, such search results, documents and instruments, or take or cause to be taken such other actions as may be required to perfect such security interests within ninety (90) days after the Effective Date (subject to extensions approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).

(b) All fees and expenses required to be paid hereunder and invoiced at least two (2) Business Days before the Effective Date shall have been paid in full in cash.

(c) Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the effectiveness of this Agreement on the Effective Date, (i) the Equity Contribution shall have been consummated; and (ii) the Merger shall be consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement (without giving effect to any amendments or waivers thereto that are materially adverse to the Lenders without the consent of the Arrangers, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, that (A) any change to the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” contained in the Merger Agreement shall be deemed materially adverse to the Lenders and the Arrangers and shall require the consent of the Arrangers and (B) a reduction in the purchase price under the Merger Agreement of less than 10% of the total Merger Consideration shall be deemed not to be materially adverse so long as it is applied to reduce the aggregate commitments in respect of the Term Facility and any commitments of the Arrangers to make bridge loans in lieu of the Senior Notes dollar-for-dollar on a pro rata basis.

(d) Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the effectiveness of this Agreement on the Effective Date, the Borrower shall have received (i) at least $1,200,000,000 in gross cash proceeds from borrowings under the Term Facility and (ii) at least $400,000,000 in gross cash proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes.

 

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(e) The Intercreditor Agreement and the Term Facility Documentation shall have been duly executed and delivered by each party thereto, and shall be in full force and effect.

(f) Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the effectiveness of this Agreement on the Effective Date, the Borrower shall have terminated the Existing ABL Facility, and shall have taken all other necessary actions such that, after giving effect to the Transaction, (i) Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall have outstanding no material Indebtedness for borrowed money or preferred Equity Interests other than (A) the Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations, (B) borrowings under the Term Facility, (C) borrowings under the Senior Notes and (D) Indebtedness permitted by Section 9.3(b) and (ii) the Borrower shall have outstanding no Equity Interests (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Interests or rights or options to acquire Equity Interests) other than common stock owned by Holdings.

(g) The Arrangers shall have received (i) the Annual Financial Statements, (ii) the Quarterly Financial Statements.

(h) The Arrangers shall have received the Pro Forma Financial Statements.

(i) The Arrangers shall have received at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date all documentation and other information reasonably requested in writing by them at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Effective Date in order to allow the Arrangers and the Lenders to comply with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act.

(j) Since January 31, 2010, except (i) as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or (ii) disclosed in any Filed SEC Document (as defined in the Merger Agreement), other than disclosures in such Filed SEC Documents contained in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” sections thereof or any other disclosures in the Filed SEC Documents which are forward-looking in nature, there shall not have been any effect, change, event or occurrence that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect.

(k) The Specified Representations shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, if qualified by “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language, in all respects (after giving effect to such qualification)) on and as of the Effective Date.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.3, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.1, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

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SECTION 4.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Loan and Letter of Credit.

The obligation of each Lender on any date to make any Loan and of each Issuer on any date to Issue any Letter of Credit is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

(a) Request for Borrowing or Issuance of Letter of Credit. With respect to any Loan, the Administrative Agent shall have received a duly executed Notice of Borrowing (or, in the case of Swing Loans, a duly executed Swing Loan Request), and, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuer shall have received a duly executed Letter of Credit Request.

(b) Representations and Warranties; No Defaults. The following statements shall be true on the date of such Loan or Issuance, both immediately before and immediately after giving effect thereto and, in the case of any Loan, giving effect to the application of the proceeds thereof:

(i) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document (limited to, in the case of the initial Credit Extensions on the Effective Date, the Specified Representations) shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing; provided that, to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date; provided, further that, any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar language shall be true and correct (after giving effect to any qualification therein) in all respects on such respective dates; and

(ii) except in the case of the initial Credit Extension on the Effective Date, no Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.

(c) Borrowing Base. After giving effect to the Loans or Letters of Credit requested to be made or Issued on any such date and the use of proceeds thereof, the Revolving Credit Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Credit at such time.

(d) Solvency. In the case of any Borrowing the proceeds of which will be used to fund a Restricted Payment, the Borrower shall represent and warrant in the relevant Notice of Borrowing that it and its Subsidiaries are Solvent.

Each submission by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or a Swing Loan Request and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of each Loan requested therein, and each submission by the Borrower to an Issuer of a Letter of Credit Request, and the Issuance of each Letter of Credit requested therein, shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that the conditions specified in clause (b) above have been satisfied on and as of the date of the making of such Loan or the Issuance of such Letter of Credit.

 

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SECTION 4.3 Determinations of Effective Date Borrowing Conditions.

For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 4.1, each Lender shall be deemed to have consented to, approved, accepted or be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to the Lenders unless an officer of the Administrative Agent responsible for the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the Borrowing on the Effective Date, borrowing of Swing Loans or Issuance or deemed Issuance hereunder specifying its objection thereto and such Lender shall not have made available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s Ratable Portion of such Borrowing or Swing Loans.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Lenders, the Issuers and the Administrative Agent to enter into this Agreement, each of Holdings and the Borrower represents and warrants each of the following to the Lenders, the Issuers and the Administrative Agent, on and as of the Effective Date and after giving effect to the making of the Loans and the other financial accommodations on the Effective Date and on and as of each date as required by Section 4.2(b)(i):

SECTION 5.1 Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Material Subsidiary (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization (to the extent such concept exists in such jurisdiction), (b) has all corporate or other organizational power and authority to (i) own its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing (to the extent such concept exists) under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all applicable Laws, orders, writs, injunctions and orders and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in each case referred to in clause (c), (d) or (e), to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.2 Authorization; No Contravention. (a) The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action. (b) Neither the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party nor the consummation of the Transaction will (i) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents, (ii) result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien upon any of the property or assets of such Person or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than as permitted by Section 9.1) under (A) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (iii) violate any applicable Law; except with respect to any breach, contravention or violation (but not creation of Liens) referred to in clauses (ii) and (iii), to the extent that such breach, contravention or violation would not reasonably be expected to have a, individually or in the aggregate, Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 5.3 Governmental Authorization. No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for (i) filings necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings that have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full force and effect and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement and each other Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity and principles of good faith and fair dealing.

SECTION 5.5 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

(a) (i) The Annual Financial Statements and the Quarterly Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, (A) except as otherwise expressly noted therein and (B) subject, in the case of the Quarterly Financial Statements, to changes resulting from normal year end adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

(ii) The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of and for the twelve-month period ending on the last day of the most recently completed four-Fiscal Quarter period ended at least forty-five (45) days (or ninety (90) days in case such four-Fiscal Quarter period is the end of the Company’s Fiscal Year) prior to the Effective Date, prepared after giving effect to the Transaction as if the Transaction had occurred as of such date (including the notes thereto) (the “Pro Forma Balance Sheet”) and the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the 12-month period ended at least forty-five (45) days (or ninety (90) days in case such four-Fiscal Quarter period is the end of the Company’s Fiscal Year) prior to the Effective Date, prepared after giving effect to the Transaction as if the Transaction had occurred at the beginning of such period (together with the Pro Forma Balance Sheet, the “Pro Forma Financial Statements”), copies of which have heretofore been furnished to the Administrative Agent, have been prepared based on the Annual Financial Statements and the Quarterly Financial Statements and have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable as of the date of delivery thereof, and present fairly in all material respects on a pro forma basis the estimated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at October 30, 2010 and their estimated results of operations for the period covered thereby.

 

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(b) Since the Effective Date, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) The forecasts of consolidated balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements and Excess Availability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for each Fiscal Year ending after the Effective Date until the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date, and all Projections delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(d) have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time made, it being understood that projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and actual results may vary materially from such forecasts.

SECTION 5.6 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, overtly threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.7 Labor Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect: (a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes against any of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened and (b) since February 3, 2008, hours worked by and payment made based on hours worked to employees of each of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries have not been in material violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Laws dealing with wage and hour matters.

SECTION 5.8 Ownership of Property; Liens. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all real property necessary in the ordinary conduct of its business, free and clear of all Liens except for Liens permitted by Section 9.1 and except where the failure to have such title or other interest would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.9 Environmental Matters.

(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all Environmental Laws in all jurisdictions in which each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, is currently doing business (including having obtained all Environmental Permits) and (ii) none of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries has become subject to any pending, or to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened Environmental Claim or any other Environmental Liability.

 

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(b) None of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries has treated, stored, transported or disposed of Hazardous Materials at or from any currently or formerly operated real estate or facility relating to its business in a manner that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.10 Taxes. Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all Federal and state and other tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have timely paid all Federal and state and other taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges (including satisfying its withholding tax obligations) levied or imposed on their properties, income or assets or otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate actions diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

SECTION 5.11 ERISA Compliance.

(a) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.11(a) or as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other federal or state Laws.

(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred within the one-year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made; (ii) no Pension Plan has failed to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Pension Plan; (iii) none of the Loan Parties or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 et seq. or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; (iv) none of the Loan Parties or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has engaged in a transaction that is subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA; and (v) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization (within the meaning of Section 4242 of ERISA), insolvent (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA) or has been determined to be in “endangered” or critical status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA) and no such Multiemployer Plan is expected to be in reorganization, insolvent or endangered or critical status, except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.11(b), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Except where noncompliance or the incurrence of a material obligation would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Foreign Plan has been maintained in substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and orders, and neither Holdings nor any Subsidiary has incurred any material obligation in connection with the termination of or withdrawal from any Foreign Plan.

 

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SECTION 5.12 Subsidiaries. As of the Effective Date, neither Holdings nor any other Loan Party has any Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests in Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid and (if applicable) nonassessable, and all Equity Interests owned by Holdings or any other Loan Party are owned free and clear of all security interests of any person except (i) those created under the Collateral Documents or under the Term Facility Documentation and secured Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the Indebtedness under the Term Facility Documentation (which Liens shall be subject to the Intercreditor Agreement) and (ii) any nonconsensual Lien that is permitted under Section 9.1. As of the Effective Date, Schedule 5.12 (a) sets forth the name and jurisdiction of each Subsidiary, (b) sets forth the ownership interest of Holdings, the Borrower and any other Subsidiary in each Subsidiary, including the percentage of such ownership and (c) identifies each Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary the Equity Interests of which are required to be pledged on the Effective Date pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

SECTION 5.13 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.

(a) As of the Effective Date, none of the Collateral is comprised of any Margin Stock. No Loan Party is engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Federal Reserve Board), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowings will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U.

(b) Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SECTION 5.14 Disclosure. None of the information and data heretofore or contemporaneously furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Loan Party to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) when taken as a whole contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make such information and data (taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which it was delivered, not materially misleading; it being understood that for purposes of this Section 5.14, such information and data shall not include projections and pro forma financial information or information of a general economic or general industry nature.

SECTION 5.15 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. The Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to, or a valid license or right to use, all patents, patent rights, trademarks, servicemarks, trade names, copyrights, technology, software, know-how database rights, rights of privacy and publicity, licenses and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “IP Rights”) that are necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted and as proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to have any such rights, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Borrower, the operation of the respective businesses of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon, misuse, misappropriate or violate any rights held by any Person except for such infringements, misuses, misappropriations or violations individually or in the aggregate, that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any IP Rights is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against any Loan Party or Subsidiary, that, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 5.16 Solvency. On the Effective Date after giving effect to the Transaction, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.

SECTION 5.17 Subordination of Junior Financing. The Obligations are “Designated Senior Debt,” “Senior Debt,” “Senior Indebtedness,” “Guarantor Senior Debt” or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any indenture or document governing any applicable Junior Financing Documentation in respect of Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations.

SECTION 5.18 USA PATRIOT Act. (a) To the extent applicable, each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto and (ii) the USA PATRIOT Act. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

(b) None of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (i) is a person on the list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” or (ii) is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”); and the Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Loans or the Letters of Credit or otherwise knowingly make available such proceeds to any person, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

SECTION 5.19 Collateral Documents. Except as otherwise contemplated hereby or under any other Loan Documents, the provisions of the Collateral Documents, together with such filings and other actions required to be taken hereby or by the applicable Collateral Documents (including the delivery to Collateral Agent of any Pledged Debt and any Pledged Equity required to be delivered pursuant to the applicable Collateral Documents), are effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a legal, valid and enforceable first priority Lien (subject to Liens permitted by Section 9.1 and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement) on all right, title and interest of the respective Loan Parties in the Collateral described therein.

 

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ARTICLE VI

FINANCIAL COVENANT

So long as any Lender shall have any Revolving Credit Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than (i) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted and (ii) Obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower agrees with the Lenders, the Issuers and the Administrative Agent to the following:

SECTION 6.1 Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

At any time that a Covenant Trigger Event shall be in effect, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (on a Consolidated basis) for the Test Period ending on the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b), as applicable, and each subsequent Test Period during the continuance of such Covenant Trigger Event, shall be not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and the Borrower shall immediately deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the chief financial officer setting forth reasonably detailed calculations of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

ARTICLE VII

REPORTING COVENANTS

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than (i) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted and (ii) Obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to:

SECTION 7.1 Financial Statements, Etc.

Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender each of the following and shall take the following actions:

(a) as soon as available, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year together with related notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis describing results of

 

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operations, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of KPMG LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit;

(b) as soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower (commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ended April 30, 2011), a condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter, and the related (i) condensed consolidated statements of income or operations for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended and (ii) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding Fiscal Quarter of the previous Fiscal Year and the corresponding portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes, together with management’s discussion and analysis describing results of operations;

(c) during the occurrence and continuation of any Cash Dominion Period, as soon as available, but in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of each of the first two (2) months of each Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such month, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, for such month, in the form prepared by management of the Borrower;

(d) within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year (beginning with the Fiscal Year ending January 28, 2012 of the Borrower), a reasonably detailed consolidated budget for the following Fiscal Year as customarily prepared by management of the Borrower for its internal use (including a projected consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the following Fiscal Year, the related consolidated statements of projected operations or income and projected cash flow and setting forth the material underlying assumptions applicable thereto) in each case on a fiscal quarter basis (collectively, the “Projections”), which Projections shall in each case be accompanied by a certificate of a Responsible Officer stating that such Projections have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such Projections, it being understood that actual results may vary from such Projections and that such variations may be material;

(e) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of consolidated financial statements referred to in Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b) above, the related consolidating financial statements reflecting the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements; and

 

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(f) quarterly, at a time mutually agreed with the Administrative Agent that is promptly after the delivery of the information required pursuant to clause (a) above and the information delivered pursuant to clause (b) above for each Fiscal Quarter, participate in a conference call for Lenders to discuss the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the most recently-ended period for which financial statements have been delivered, which requirement may be satisfied by including the Lenders and the Administrative Agent on quarterly conference calls with the Term Facility Lenders or the noteholders in respect of the Senior Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 7.1 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the applicable financial statements of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower that holds all of the Equity Interests of the Borrower or (B) the Borrower’s or such entity’s Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that, with respect to each of clauses (A) and (B), (i) to the extent such information relates to a parent of the Borrower, such information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the Borrower (or such parent), on the one hand, and the information relating to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 7.1(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of KPMG LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.

Any financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) and (b) shall not be required to contain all purchase accounting adjustments relating to the Transaction to the extent it is not practicable to include any such adjustments in such financial statements.

SECTION 7.2 Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:

(a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Section 7.1(a) (but only with respect to Fiscal Years ending after January 29. 2011) and Section 7.1(b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief financial officer of the Borrower; provided that if such Compliance Certificate demonstrates an Event of Default of any financial covenant pursuant to Section 6.1, any of the Permitted Holders may deliver, prior to or together with such Compliance Certificate, a notice of their intent to cure (a “Notice of Intent to Cure”) pursuant to Section 10.4 to the extent permitted thereunder;

 

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(b) promptly after the same are publicly available, copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports, proxy statements and registration statements which Holdings or the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary files with the SEC or with any Governmental Authority that may be substituted therefor or with any national securities exchange, as the case may be (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered to the Administrative Agent), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8), and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to any other clause of this Section 7.2;

(c) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material statements or material reports furnished to any holder of any class or series of debt securities of any Loan Party having an aggregate outstanding principal amount greater than $35,000,000 or pursuant to the terms of the Term Facility Credit Agreement or the Senior Notes Indenture, in each case, so long as the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereunder is greater than $35,000,000 and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Administrative Agent pursuant to any other clause of this Section 7.2;

(d) together with the delivery of the financial statements pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b) and each Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 7.2(a) (but only with respect to Fiscal Years ending after January 29, 2011), (i) a report setting forth the information required by Section 3.03(c) of the Security Agreement (or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the Effective Date or the date of the last such report), (ii) a description of each event, condition or circumstance during the last Fiscal Quarter covered by such Compliance Certificate requiring a mandatory prepayment under Section 2.9 and (iii) a list of each Subsidiary of the Borrower that identifies each Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate or a confirmation that there is no change in such information since the later of the Effective Date and the date of the last such list;

(e) on the date on which the delivery of financial statements is required to be made pursuant to Sections 7.1(a), the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent a description, in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, of all material insurance coverage maintained by the Loan Parties, together with evidence thereof;

(f) prior to or concurrent with the making of any Specified Payment, a detailed calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and projected Excess Availability as required pursuant to clauses (b) and (c) of the definition of “Payment Conditions” or “RP Conditions”, as applicable, together with a certification that no Event of Default exists or would arise as a result of the making of such subject Specified Payment and, in the case of any Permitted Acquisition, that the requirements of the definition of “Permitted Acquisitions” shall have been satisfied; and

(g) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent may from time to time on its own behalf or on behalf of any Lender reasonably request.

 

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Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) or Section 7.2(c) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 12.8; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers will make available to the Lenders and the Issuers materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Borrower hereby agrees that (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Issuers and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 12.19); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information”; and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.”

SECTION 7.3 Notices.

Promptly after a Responsible Officer obtains actual knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:

(a) of the occurrence of any Default; and

 

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(b) of (i) any dispute, litigation, investigation or proceeding between any Loan Party and any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, (ii) the filing or commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws or in respect of IP Rights, the occurrence of any noncompliance by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries with, or liability under, any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit, or (iii) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, in any such case referred to in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii), has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Each notice pursuant to this Section 7.3 shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Section 7.3(a) or (b) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 7.4 Borrowing Base Certificate.

(a) Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with the following documents in a form and detail reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent: as soon as possible after the end of each fiscal month (but in any event within fifteen (15) Business Days after the end thereof) a Borrowing Base Certificate setting forth the calculation of the Borrowing Base and of Excess Availability as of the last Business Day of the immediately preceding fiscal month, duly completed and executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, together with all schedules required pursuant to the terms of the Borrowing Base Certificate duly completed (such certification, a “Monthly Borrowing Base Certificate”); provided that the Borrower may elect, at its option, to deliver more frequent Borrowing Base Certificates, in which case such Borrowing Base Certificates shall be computed in accordance with the requirements in respect of Borrowing Base Certificates required to be delivered during the continuance of a Weekly Monitoring Event and the Borrower shall continue to deliver Borrowing Base Certificates on a weekly basis until January 15th of the next succeeding calendar year.

(b) At any time during the occurrence and continuation of a Weekly Monitoring Event, the Borrower shall furnish a Borrowing Base Certificate calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar week, on Wednesday of each week (or, if Wednesday is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day).

(c) The Borrower shall also cooperate with (and cause its Subsidiaries to cooperate with) the Administrative Agent, in connection with updates to the Initial Inventory Appraisal that shall be in form and detail and from third-party appraisers reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (the “Updated Inventory Appraisal”) for the purpose of determining the amount of the Borrowing Base attributable to Inventory and the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Borrower’s expense, one (1) Updated Inventory Appraisal in any period of 12 consecutive months; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing limitations (x)(i) at any time on or after the date on which Excess Availability has been less than the greater of (A) $25,000,000 and (B) 25% of the Maximum Credit, in each case, for five (5) consecutive Business Days, the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Borrower’s expense, two (2)

 

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Updated Inventory Appraisals in any period of 12 consecutive months, and (ii) at any time during the continuation of a Specified Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Borrower’s expense, Updated Inventory Appraisals as frequently as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion and (y) in addition to the foregoing clause (x), the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Lenders’ expense, one (1) additional Updated Inventory Appraisal in any period of 12 consecutive months. The Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent any information that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request regarding the determination and calculation of the Borrowing Base including correct and complete copies of any invoices, underlying agreements, instruments or other documents and the identity of all Account Debtors in respect of Accounts referred to therein.

(d) The Administrative Agent may carry out investigations and reviews of each Loan Party’s property at the reasonable expense of the Borrower (including field audits conducted by the Administrative Agent) (“Field Examination”) and the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Borrower’s expense, one (1) Field Examination in any period of 12 consecutive months; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing limitations, (x)(i) at any time on or after the date on which Excess Availability has been less than the greater of (A) $25,000,000 and (B) 25% of the Maximum Credit, in each case, for five (5) consecutive Business Days, the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Borrower’s expense, two (2) Field Examinations in any period of 12 consecutive months, and (ii) at any time during the continuation of a Specified Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Borrower’s expense, Field Examinations as frequently as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion and (y) in addition to the foregoing clause (x), the Administrative Agent may carry out, at the Lenders’ expense, one (1) additional Field Examination in any period of 12 consecutive months. The Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent any information that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request regarding the determination and calculation of the Borrowing Base including correct and complete copies of any invoices, underlying agreements, instruments or other documents and the identity of all Account Debtors in respect of Accounts referred to therein.

ARTICLE VIII

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Lender shall have any Revolving Credit Commitment hereunder or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than (i) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted and (ii) Obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall, and shall cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to:

 

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SECTION 8.1 Preservation of Existence, Etc.

(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and (b) take all reasonable action to obtain, preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of its business, except in the case of clause (a) or (b) to the extent (other than with respect to the preservation of the existence of Holdings and the Borrower) that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or pursuant to any merger, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution or Disposition permitted by Article IX.

SECTION 8.2 Compliance with Laws, Etc.

Comply in all material respects with its Constituent Documents and the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or to its business or property, except if the failure to comply therewith would not reasonably be expected individually or in the aggregate to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 8.3 Designation of Subsidiaries.

The board of directors of the Borrower may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) immediately before and after such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Total Leverage Ratio for the Test Period immediately preceding such designation for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1 is less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0 (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) (and, as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of any such designation, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations demonstrating satisfaction of such test) and (iii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if, after such designation, it would be a “Restricted Subsidiary” for the purpose of the Term Facility, the Senior Notes, or any other Junior Financing or any other Indebtedness of any Loan Party. The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall constitute an Investment by the Borrower therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value as determined by the Borrower in good faith of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiary’s (as applicable) Investment therein. The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute the incurrence at the time of designation of any Indebtedness or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time and a return on any Investment by the Borrower in Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the preceding sentence in an amount equal to the fair market value as determined by the Borrower in good faith at the date of such designation of the Borrower’s or its Subsidiary’s (as applicable) Investment in such Subsidiary.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Unrestricted Subsidiary that has been re-designated a Restricted Subsidiary may not be subsequently re-designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

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SECTION 8.4 Payment of Taxes, Etc.

Timely pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy, as the same shall become due and payable, all of its obligations and liabilities in respect of taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, except, in each case, to the extent (i) any such tax, assessment, charge or levy is being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP or (ii) the failure to pay or discharge the same would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 8.5 Maintenance of Insurance.

Maintain with insurance companies that the Borrower believes (in the good faith judgment of its management) are financially sound and reputable at the time the relevant coverage is placed or renewed, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons, and will furnish to the Lenders, upon written request from the Administrative Agent, information presented in reasonable detail as to the insurance so carried. Each such policy of insurance shall, as appropriate, (i) name the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear and/or (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a loss payable clause or endorsement that names the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Lenders as the loss payee thereunder.

SECTION 8.6 Inspection Rights.

In addition to the requirements pursuant to Section 7.4, permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants’ customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 8.6 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two (2) times during any calendar year absent the existence of an Event of Default and only one (1) such time shall be at the Borrower’s expense; provided further that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.6, none of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (a) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law or any bona fide arm’s length third party contract or (b) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product.

 

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SECTION 8.7 Books and Records.

Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries that are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP shall be made of all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of Holdings, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be.

SECTION 8.8 Maintenance of Properties.

Except if the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment used in the operation of its business in good working order, repair and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and casualty or condemnation excepted.

SECTION 8.9 Use of Proceeds.

Use the proceeds of the Loans only in compliance with (and not in contravention of) applicable Laws and each Loan Document.

SECTION 8.10 Compliance with Environmental Laws.

Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (a) comply, and take all reasonable actions to cause any lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; (b) obtain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and, (c) in each case to the extent required by applicable Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, study, sampling and testing, and undertake any cleanup, removal, remedial or other action necessary to remove and clean up all Hazardous Materials from any of its properties, in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Environmental Laws.

SECTION 8.11 Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security.

At the Borrower’s expense, subject to the provisions of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and any applicable limitation in any Collateral Document, take all action necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement continues to be satisfied, including:

(a) (x) upon the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Material Domestic Subsidiary (in each case, other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary or an Excluded Subsidiary) by any Loan Party, the designation in accordance with Section 8.3, of any existing direct or indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a

 

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Material Domestic Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or any Subsidiary becoming a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Material Domestic Subsidiary, (y) upon the acquisition of any material assets by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or (z) with respect to any Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Loan Party, for any material assets held by such Subsidiary (in each case, other than assets constituting Collateral under a Collateral Document that becomes subject to the Lien created by such Collateral Document upon acquisition thereof (without limitation of the obligations to perfect such Lien)):

(i) within forty-five (45) days (or such greater number of days specified below) after such formation, acquisition or designation or, in each case, such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion:

(A) cause each such Material Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor under the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to furnish to the Collateral Agent a description of the Material Real Properties owned by such Material Domestic Subsidiary in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

(B) within forty-five (45) days (or within ninety (90) days in the case of documents listed in Section 8.13(b)) after such formation, acquisition or designation, cause each such Material Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to duly execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent Mortgages with respect to any Material Real Property, Security Agreement Supplements, Intellectual Property Security Agreements and other security agreements and documents (including, with respect to Mortgages, the documents listed in Section 8.13(b)), as reasonably requested by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (consistent with the Mortgages, Security Agreement, Intellectual Property Security Agreements and other Collateral Documents in effect on the Effective Date), in each case granting Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;

(C) cause each such Material Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to deliver any and all certificates representing Equity Interests (to the extent certificated) that are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank (or any other documents customary under local law) and instruments evidencing the intercompany Indebtedness held by such Material Domestic Subsidiary and required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents, indorsed in blank to the Collateral Agent;

(D) within forty-five (45) days (or within ninety (90) days in the case of documents listed in Section 8.13(b)) after such formation, acquisition or designation, (1) take and cause the applicable Material Domestic Subsidiary and each direct or indirect parent of the applicable Material Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to take whatever action (including the recording of Mortgages, the filing of UCC financing statements and delivery of stock and membership interest certificates to the extent certificated) may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent to vest in the Collateral

 

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Agent (or in any representative of the Collateral Agent designated by it) valid Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, enforceable against all third parties in accordance with their terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law) and (2) comply with the requirements of Section 8.12 with respect to all Deposit Accounts; and

(ii) within forty-five (45) days (or within ninety (90) days in the case of documents listed in Section 8.13(b)) after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to such matters set forth in this Section 8.11(a) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; and

(iii) as promptly as practicable after the reasonable request therefor by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent with respect to each Material Real Property, title reports, surveys and environmental assessment reports, provided that the Collateral Agent may in its reasonable discretion accept any such existing report or survey to the extent prepared as of a date reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent; provided, however, that there shall be no obligation to deliver to the Collateral Agent any environmental assessment report whose disclosure to the Collateral Agent would require the consent of a Person other than the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries, where, despite the commercially reasonable efforts of the Borrower to obtain such consent, such consent cannot be obtained; and

(b) (i) the Borrower shall obtain the security interests and Guarantees set forth on Schedule 1.1A on or prior to the dates corresponding to such security interests and Guarantees set forth on Schedule 1.1A; and (ii) after the Effective Date, promptly after the acquisition of any Material Real Property by any Loan Party other than Holdings, and such Material Real Property shall not already be subject to a perfected Lien pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, the Borrower shall give notice thereof to the Collateral Agent and will take, or cause the relevant Loan Party to take, the actions referred to in Section 8.13(b).

SECTION 8.12 Cash Receipts.

(a) Use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into, as soon as possible after the Effective Date, an effective account control agreement (a “Deposit Account Control Agreement”) with each Approved Account Bank, in each case in substantially the form attached as Exhibit VI to the Security Agreement or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, with respect to each Deposit Account in which funds of any of the Loan Parties are deposited (including those existing as of the Effective Date and listed on Schedule 8.12 attached hereto, and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Asset Sale Proceeds Pledged Account, petty cash, payroll, trust and tax withholding accounts) (collectively, the “Material Bank Accounts”); provided that each Loan Party may maintain credit balances in Store Accounts or other accounts, in each case that are not Approved Deposit Accounts, so long as the aggregate balance in all such Store Accounts and other accounts does not exceed

 

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$7,500,000 (such amount, the “Excluded Amount”); provided further that, if on or prior to ninety (90) days after the Effective Date (or such longer period (up to not greater than sixty (60) additional days) following such date as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion), the Borrower shall not have entered into a Deposit Account Control Agreement with respect to any Deposit Account required to be subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement under this Section 8.12(a), such Deposit Account shall be closed and all funds therein transferred to a Deposit Account at the Administrative Agent, an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, or another financial institution that has executed a Deposit Account Control Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 8.12(a) shall not apply to any Deposit Account acquired by a Loan Party in connection with a Permitted Acquisition prior to the date that is ninety (90) days (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree) following the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition.

(b) Each Loan Party shall (i) instruct each Account Debtor or other Person obligated to make a payment to any of them under any Account to make payment, or to continue to make payment, to an Approved Deposit Account, (ii) deposit in an Approved Deposit Account promptly upon receipt all Cash Receipts (as defined below) received by any Loan Party from any other Person, (iii) deliver to the Administrative Agent, within thirty (30) Business Days following the Effective Date, Credit Card Notifications and (iv) instruct each depository institution for a Deposit Account to cause all amounts on deposit and available at the close of each Business Day in such Deposit Account (other than balances constituting the Excluded Amount) to be swept to one of the Loan Parties’ concentration accounts no less frequently than on a daily basis, such instructions to be irrevocable unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent.

(c) Each Credit Card Notification, Deposit Account Control Agreement (and, in the case of clause (iii) below, Securities Account Control Agreement) shall require (in each case, without further consent of the Loan Parties), and the Loan Parties shall cause, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Period and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ACH or wire transfer no less frequently than daily (and whether or not there are then any outstanding Obligations) to the concentration account maintained by, in the name of and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent at Bank of America (the “Concentration Account”), of all cash receipts and collections, including the following (collectively, the “Cash Receipts”):

(i) all available cash receipts from the sale of Inventory and other Current Asset Collateral or casualty insurance proceeds arising from any of the foregoing;

(ii) all proceeds of collections of Accounts (including, without limitation, Credit Card Receivables);

(iii) the then contents of each Approved Deposit Account and each Approved Securities Account (in each case, net of any minimum balance as may be required to be kept in the subject Deposit Account or Securities Account, as the case may be, by the institution at which such Deposit Account or Securities Account, as applicable, is maintained); and

(iv) the cash proceeds of all credit card charges.

 

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(d) The Concentration Account shall at all times be under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent. The Loan Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (i) the Loan Parties have no right of withdrawal from the Concentration Account, (ii) the funds on deposit in the Concentration Account shall at all times be collateral security for all of the Obligations and (iii) the funds on deposit in the Concentration Account shall be applied as provided in this Agreement. In the event that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, during the continuation of any Cash Dominion Period, any Loan Party receives or otherwise has dominion and control of any such proceeds or collections, such proceeds and collections shall be held in trust by such Loan Party for the Administrative Agent, shall not be commingled with any of such Loan Party’s other funds or deposited in any account of such Loan Party and shall, not later than the Business Day after receipt thereof, be deposited into the Concentration Account or dealt with in such other fashion as such Loan Party may be instructed by the Administrative Agent.

(e) So long as no Cash Dominion Period (or, in the case of a Qualified Cash Securities Account, Qualified Cash Trigger Period) is continuing, the Loan Parties may direct, and shall have sole control over, the manner of disposition of funds in the Approved Securities Accounts and Approved Deposit Accounts.

(f) Any amounts received in the Concentration Account at any time when no Cash Dominion Period (or, in the case of a Qualified Cash Securities Account, Qualified Cash Trigger Period) is continuing or all of the Obligations have been paid in full shall be remitted to the operating account of the Loan Parties maintained with the Administrative Agent or to an operating account otherwise designated by the Borrower.

(g) The Administrative Agent shall promptly (but in any event within one (1) Business Day) furnish written notice to each Approved Account Bank and each Approved Securities Intermediary, as applicable, of any termination of a Cash Dominion Period or (if a Cash Dominion Period does not otherwise exist) a Qualified Cash Trigger Period.

SECTION 8.13 Further Assurances and Post-Closing Covenants.

Subject to the provisions of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and any applicable limitations in any Collateral Document and in each case at the expense of the Loan Parties:

(a) Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent or as may be required by applicable law (i) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral, and (ii) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of the Collateral Documents.

 

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(b) In the case of any Material Real Property, provide the Collateral Agent with Mortgages with respect to such owned real property within ninety (90) days (or such longer period as the Collateral Agent may agree in its sole discretion) of the acquisition of, or, if requested by the Collateral Agent, entry into, or renewal of, a ground lease in respect of, such real property in each case together with:

(i) evidence that counterparts of the Mortgages have been duly executed, acknowledged and delivered and are in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices that the Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary or desirable in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected Lien on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

(ii) fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s Extended Coverage title insurance policies or the equivalent or other form available in each applicable jurisdiction (the “Mortgage Policies”) in form and substance, with endorsements available in the applicable jurisdiction and in amount, reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent (not to exceed the value of the real properties covered thereby), issued, coinsured and reinsured by title insurers reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting Liens on the property described therein, subject only to Liens permitted by Section 9.1, and providing for such other affirmative insurance (including endorsements for future advances under the Loan Documents) and such coinsurance and direct access reinsurance as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request and is available in the applicable jurisdiction;

(iii) opinions of local counsel for the Loan Parties in states in which the real properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

(iv) such other evidence that all other actions that the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to create valid and subsisting Liens on the property described in the Mortgages has been taken.

ARTICLE IX

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Lender shall have any Revolving Credit Commitment hereunder or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than (i) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted and (ii) Obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall not (and, with respect to Section 9.15, only Holdings shall not), nor shall the Borrower permit any Restricted Subsidiary to:

 

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SECTION 9.1 Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:

(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b) Liens existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 9.1(b);

(c) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP;

(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens or other customary Liens (other than in respect of Indebtedness) in favor of landlords, so long as, in each case, such Liens arise in the ordinary course of business that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or, if more than thirty (30) days overdue, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;

(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries;

(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations) incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions (including zoning restrictions), encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and title defects affecting real property that, in the aggregate, do not in any case materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or the use of the property for its intended purpose, and any other exceptions to title on the Mortgage Policies accepted by the Collateral Agent in accordance with this Agreement;

 

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(h) Liens arising from judgments or orders for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 10.1(g);

(i) (i) Liens securing obligations in respect of Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.3(e); provided that (A) such Liens attach concurrently with or within two hundred and seventy (270) days after completion of the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement (as applicable) of the property subject to such Liens, (B) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, replacements thereof and additions and accessions to such property and the proceeds and the products thereof and customary security deposits and (C) such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for additions and accessions to such assets, replacements and products thereof and customary security deposits) other than the assets subject to, or acquired, constructed, repaired, replaced or improved with the proceeds of such Indebtedness; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender and (ii) Liens on assets of Restricted Subsidiaries that are Non-Loan Parties securing Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiaries permitted pursuant to Section 9.3(l);

(j) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;

(k) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and (ii) other than Current Asset Collateral, on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or such other goods in the ordinary course of business;

(l) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

(m) Liens (i) on cash advances in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 9.2(i) or Section 9.2(m) to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment or (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 9.5, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;

(n) Liens on property of any Foreign Subsidiary securing Indebtedness of such Foreign Subsidiary incurred pursuant to Sections 9.3(b), (l), (r) or (v);

(o) Liens in favor of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.3(d);

 

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(p) Liens existing on property (other than Current Asset Collateral unless the Liens thereon are subordinated to the Lien of the Collateral Agent in a manner consistent with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement) at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 8.3), in each case after the Effective Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary); provided that (i) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property of such acquired Restricted Subsidiary), and (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted under Section 9.3(e) or (v);

(q) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor or secured by a lessor’s, sublessor’s, licensor’s or sublicensor’s interest under leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or licenses entered into by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(r) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(s) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under Section 9.2 and reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(t) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

(u) ground leases in respect of real property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are located;

(v) purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements or similar public filings;

(w) Liens securing obligations in respect of Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.3(p)(i) and obligations in respect of any Secured Hedge Agreement and any Cash Management Obligation (in each case, as defined in the Term Facility Credit Agreement) permitted under Section 9.3(p)(ii) (or, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing in respect thereof, and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement or, in the case of any Permitted Refinancing thereof, another intercreditor agreement containing terms that are at least as favorable to the Secured Parties as those contained in the Intercreditor Agreement);

(x) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-208 of the UCC on the items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

 

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(y) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(z) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (b), (i) and (p) of this Section 9.1; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.3(e), and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by Section 9.3;

(aa) rights of set-off against credit balances of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card Processors or amounts owing by such Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card Processors to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, but not rights of set-off against any other property or assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Credit Card Agreements (as in effect on the date hereof) to secure the obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the Credit Card Issuers or Credit Card Processors as a result of fees and chargebacks;

(bb) without duplication of, or aggregation with, any other Lien permitted under any other clause of this Section 9.1, other Liens (not covering Current Asset Collateral unless the Liens thereon are subordinated to the Lien of the Collateral Agent in a manner consistent with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement) securing Indebtedness outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50,000,000 at any time outstanding determined as of the date of incurrence;

(cc) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and such Subsidiary to secure the performance of the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises; and

(dd) Liens that are contractual rights of setoff (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks or other deposit-taking financial institutions in the ordinary course of business and not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness or (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

SECTION 9.2 Investments.

Make or hold any Investments, except:

(a) Investments by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in assets that are cash and Cash Equivalents;

 

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(b) loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof; provided that, to the extent such loans or advances are made in cash, the amount of such loans and advances used to acquire such Equity Interests shall be contributed to Holdings in cash) and (iii) for any other purpose, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding under clauses (i) through (iii) not to exceed $20,000,000;

(c) Investments (i) by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party, (ii) by any Non-Loan Party in any other Non-Loan Party that is a Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) by any Non-Loan Party in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party and (iv) without duplication of any other clauses of this Section 9.2, by any Loan Party in any Non-Loan Party that is a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (A) any such Investments made pursuant to this clause (iv) in the form of intercompany loans shall be evidenced by notes that have been pledged (individually or pursuant to a global note) to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders (it being understood and agreed that any Investments permitted under this clause (iv) that are not so evidenced as of the Effective Date are not required to be so evidenced and pledged until the date that is sixty (60) days after the Effective Date (or such later date as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent)) and (B) the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to this clause (iv) shall not exceed $37,500,000 at any time outstanding;

(d) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;

(e) Investments consisting of Liens, Indebtedness, fundamental changes, Dispositions and Restricted Payments permitted under Sections 9.1, 9.3 (other than 9.3(c)(ii) or (d)), 9.4 (other than 9.4(c)(ii), (d) or (f)), 9.5 (other than 9.5(d)(ii) or (e)) and 9. 6 (other than 9.6(d) or (g)(iv)), respectively;

(f) Investments existing on the date hereof or made pursuant to legally binding written contracts in existence on the date hereof, in each case, set forth on Schedule 9.2(f) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension of any of the foregoing; provided that the amount of any Investment permitted pursuant to this Section 9.2(f) is not increased from the amount of such Investment on the Effective Date except pursuant to the terms of such Investment as of the Effective Date or as otherwise permitted by another clause of this Section 9.2;

 

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(g) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under Section 9.3;

(h) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration that is permitted to be received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 9.5;

(i) Permitted Acquisitions;

(j) Investments made to effect the Transaction;

(k) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment;

(l) loans and advances to Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) in lieu of, and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof), Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to Holdings (or such direct or indirect parent) in accordance with Section 9.6(f) or (g);

(m) without duplication of any other clauses of this Section 9.2, other Investments that do not exceed $50,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding, determined as of the date of such Investment;

(n) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;

(o) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Qualified Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof);

(p) Investments held by a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Effective Date or of a Person merged into the Borrower or merged or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 9.4 after the Effective Date (other than existing Investments in subsidiaries of such Subsidiary or Person, which must comply with the requirements of Sections 9.2(i) or (m)) to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

(q) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

(r) without duplication of, or aggregation with, any Investment made under any other clause of this Section 9.2, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make other Investments as long as the Payment Conditions are satisfied after giving effect thereto;

 

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(s) Investments made by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the extent such Investments are financed with the proceeds received by such Restricted Subsidiary from an Investment made pursuant to clauses (c)(iv), (i) or (m) of this Section 9.2.

(t) Guarantees by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(u) Investments received in connection with (i) a Disposition permitted by Section 9.5(m) or (ii) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 9.6(k).

SECTION 9.3 Indebtedness.

Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness or issue any Disqualified Equity Interest, other than:

(a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

(b) (i) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof set forth on Schedule 9.3(b) and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and (ii) intercompany Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof; provided that all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owed to any Non-Loan Party shall be subject to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement;

(c) (i) Guarantees by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries otherwise permitted hereunder (except that a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may not, by virtue of this Section 9.3(c), Guarantee Indebtedness that such Restricted Subsidiary could not otherwise incur under this Section 9.3); provided that (A) no Guarantee by any Restricted Subsidiary of any Junior Financing shall be permitted unless such Restricted Subsidiary shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Obligations substantially on the terms set forth in the Guaranty, and (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guaranty on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness, and (ii) any Guaranty by a Loan Party of Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that would have been permitted as an Investment by such Loan Party in such Restricted Subsidiary under Section 9.2(c);

(d) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries owing to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary to the extent constituting an Investment permitted by Section 9.2; provided that (i) all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owed to any Person that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement and (ii) in the event of any such Indebtedness in respect of the sale, transfer or assignment of Current Asset Collateral, such Indebtedness shall be duly noted on the books and records of the Loan Parties as being owing in respect of Current Asset Collateral;

 

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(e) (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries financing the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of fixed or capital assets; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred concurrently with or within two hundred and seventy (270) days after the applicable acquisition, construction, repair, replacement or improvement and (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale-leaseback transactions, and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness at any one time outstanding incurred pursuant to this clause (e) shall not exceed the greater of $50,000,000 and 1.75% of Total Assets, in each case determined at the time of incurrence;

(f) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against Holdings’, the Borrower’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes and Guarantees thereof;

(g) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(h) Indebtedness to current or former officers, directors, managers, consultants and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) permitted by Section 9.6;

(i) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case to the extent constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earn-outs) or other similar adjustments;

(j) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements with employees incurred by such Person in connection with the Transaction and Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;

(k) Cash Management Obligations and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections, employee credit card programs and other cash management and similar arrangements in the ordinary course of business and any Guarantees thereof;

(l) Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of $100,000,000 and 3.25% of Total Assets, in each case determined at the time of incurrence; provided that a maximum of the greater of $25,000,000 and 1.00% of Total Assets in aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness may be incurred by Non-Loan Parties, in each case determined at the time of incurrence;

 

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(m) Indebtedness consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(n) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims;

(o) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;

(p) (i) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,475,000,000 at any time outstanding under the Term Facility and (ii) the amount of obligations in respect of (ii)(A) obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements and (B) Cash Management Obligations (in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), as defined in the Term Facility Credit Agreement) at any time outstanding and not incurred in violation of Section 9.3(f), in each case and, in respect of clauses (i) and (ii), any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(q) (i) Indebtedness in respect of the Senior Notes (including any guarantees thereof) and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(r) Indebtedness incurred by a Foreign Subsidiary which, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (r) and then outstanding, does not exceed $25,000,000;

(s) (i) other unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, so long as (A) the Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied after giving effect thereto and (B) the maturity date and Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness is at least six (6) months after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness and (ii) other Indebtedness that is secured and subordinated, provided that such Indebtedness (A) is not secured by any Current Asset Collateral, (B) is subject to an intercreditor agreement containing terms that are at least as favorable to the Secured Parties as those contained in the Intercreditor Agreement and (C) has a maturity date and Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is at least six (6) months after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness (and any Permitted Refinancing thereof);

 

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(t) [reserved];

(u) Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit issued for the account of any of the Subsidiaries of Holdings to finance the purchase of Inventory so long as (x) such Indebtedness is unsecured and (y) the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed $50,000,000 at any time;

(v) Indebtedness (i) of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date hereof, which Indebtedness is existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and is not incurred in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary that is non-recourse to the Borrower, Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Subsidiary of such Person that is a Subsidiary on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date hereof) and is either (A) unsecured or (B) secured only by the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary by Liens permitted under Section 9.1(p) and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof, and (ii) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred or assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition that is secured only by Liens permitted under Section 9.1(p) (and any Permitted Refinancing of the foregoing) and so long as the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness and all Indebtedness resulting from any Permitted Refinancing thereof at any time outstanding pursuant to clause (v)(ii) does not exceed $50,000,000; provided that Indebtedness incurred under clause (i)(B) or clause (ii) of this paragraph (v) that is secured by assets of a type that would otherwise constitute Current Asset Collateral shall not exceed an aggregate amount outstanding of $25,000,000 and any such assets shall have been and at all times be segregated from, and not commingled with, Current Asset Collateral, with reasonably satisfactory evidence of compliance with the foregoing to be provided to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request; and

(w) all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (v) above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Restricted Subsidiary that is a Non-Loan Party will guarantee any Indebtedness for borrowed money of a Loan Party unless such Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Guarantor.

For purposes of determining compliance with any Dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the Dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to extend, replace, refund, refinance, renew or defease other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such extension, replacement, refunding, refinancing, renewal or defeasance would cause the applicable Dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such extension, replacement, refunding, refinancing, renewal or defeasance, such Dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being extended, replaced, refunded, refinanced, renewed or defeased, plus the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing.

 

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The accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 9.3. The principal amount of any non-interest bearing Indebtedness or other discount security constituting Indebtedness at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the Borrower dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.

SECTION 9.4 Fundamental Changes. Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:

(a) Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with the Borrower (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Borrower into a new jurisdiction); provided that (x) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, (y) such merger or consolidation does not result in the Borrower ceasing to be organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (z) in the case of a merger or consolidation of Holdings with and into the Borrower, Holdings shall not be an obligor in respect of any Qualified Holding Company Debt or other Indebtedness that is not permitted to be Indebtedness of the Borrower under this Agreement, shall not be an obligor in respect of any Indebtedness that is not permitted to be Indebtedness of the Borrower under this Agreement, shall have no direct Subsidiaries at the time of such merger or consolidation other than the Borrower and, after giving effect to such merger or consolidation, the direct parent of the Borrower shall expressly assume all the obligations of Holdings under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which Holdings is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(b) (i) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge or consolidate with or into any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party, (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with or into any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a Loan Party, (iii) any merger the sole purpose of which is to reincorporate or reorganize a Loan Party in another jurisdiction in the United States shall be permitted and (iv) any Restricted Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve or change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interests of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided, in the case of clauses (ii) through (iv) of this paragraph (b), that (A) no Event of Default shall result therefrom, (B) no Change of Control shall result therefrom and (C) the surviving Person (or, with respect to clause (iv), the Person who receives the assets of such dissolving or liquidated Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor) shall be a Loan Party;

 

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(c) any Restricted Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Loan Party, then (i) the transferee must be a Loan Party or (ii) such Investment must be a permitted Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 9.2 (other than clause (e) thereof) and must be a permitted Disposition in accordance with Section 9.5;

(d) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the “Successor Borrower”), (A) the Successor Borrower shall be an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) the Successor Borrower shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (C) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Guaranty confirmed that its Guarantee of the Obligations shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement, (D) each Loan Party, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Security Agreement confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement, (E) each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement, and (F) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document comply with this Agreement; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Borrower will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement;

(e) [reserved];

(f) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, any Restricted Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 9.2 (other than Section 9.2(e)); provided that the continuing or surviving Person shall be the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, which together with each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the applicable requirements of Sections 8.11, 8.12 and 8.13;

(g) the Merger may be consummated; and

(h) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 9.5 (other than Section 9.5(e)).

 

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SECTION 9.5 Dispositions. Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except:

(a) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out, used or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(b) Dispositions of inventory and goods held for sale in the ordinary course of business;

(c) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property; provided that to the extent the property being transferred constitutes Current Asset Collateral, such replacement property shall constitute Current Asset Collateral;

(d) Dispositions of property to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Loan Party (i) the transferee thereof must be a Loan Party, (ii) such Investment must be a permitted Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 9.2 (other than Section 9.2(e)) or (iii) to the extent constituting a Disposition to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, such Disposition is for fair value and any promissory note or other non-cash consideration received in respect thereof is a permitted investment in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Section 9.2 (other than Section 9.2(e)); provided that no Disposition of Current Asset Collateral (other than Cash and Cash Equivalents) shall be permitted pursuant to this clause (d) unless the Borrower shall have (A) in respect of any Disposition pursuant to this clause (d) of property with an aggregate fair market value in excess of $2,000,000, delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice of such disposition in reasonable detail and (B) if requested by the Administrative Agent, delivered to the Administrative Agent an updated Borrowing Base Certificate; provided further that Dispositions of Intellectual Property pursuant to this Section 9.5(d) shall comply with the terms of Section 9.5(j)(iv);

(e) Dispositions permitted by Sections 9.2 (other than Section 9.2(e)), 9.4 (other than Section 9.4(h)) and 9.6 (other than Section 9.6(d)) and Liens permitted by Section 9.1 (other than Section 9.1(m)(ii));

(f) Dispositions of property (other than Current Asset Collateral) pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions;

(g) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or sale of Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(h) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

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(i) Dispositions of property other than Current Asset Collateral subject to Casualty Events (as such term is defined in the Term Facility Credit Agreement);

(j) Dispositions of property (other than Current Asset Collateral) not otherwise permitted under this Section 9.5; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists), no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition; (ii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (j) for a purchase price in excess of $15,000,000, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens at the time received, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 9.1 and Liens permitted by Sections 9.1(a), (m), (s), (t),(w), (x) and (dd)); provided, however, that for the purposes of this clause (ii), (A) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the payment in cash of the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable Disposition and for which the Borrower and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, (B) any securities received by such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within one hundred and eighty (180) days following the closing of the applicable Disposition and (C) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value as determined by the Borrower in good faith, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (C) that is at that time outstanding, not in excess of the greater of $25,000,000 and 1.00% of Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, shall be deemed to be cash; (iii) proceeds of such Dispositions are applied in accordance with the Term Facility Credit Agreement; and (iv) in the event of a Disposition of Intellectual Property used or useful in connection with the Current Asset Collateral, the purchaser, assignee or other transferee thereof agrees in writing to be bound by a non-exclusive royalty-free worldwide license of such Intellectual Property in favor of the Collateral Agent for use in connection with the exercise of the rights and remedies of the Secured Parties, which license shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and provided further that in the case of a Disposition of Intellectual Property licensed by the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries from a third party, the transferee thereof shall be required to provide such a license only to the extent to which the applicable license gives it a right to do so;

(k) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;

 

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(l) bulk sales or other Dispositions of the Inventory of a Loan Party not in the ordinary course of business in connection with store closings, at arm’s length, provided that such store closures and related Inventory dispositions shall not exceed in any transaction or series of related transactions, ten percent (10%) of the number of the Loan Parties’ stores as of the date of such bulk sale or other Disposition, unless the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an updated Borrowing Base Certificate; provided further that when such store closures first exceed fifteen percent (15%) in the aggregate during any twelve-month period of the number of the Loan Parties’ stores in existence at the beginning of such period (net of new store openings), the Borrower (x) shall have delivered immediately prior to such event written notice of such Disposition in reasonable detail and (y) if requested by the Administrative Agent, shall permit an updated Inventory appraisal in form and detail and from an appraiser reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; provided further that all Net Cash Proceeds received in connection therewith are applied to the Obligations if then required in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof;

(m) any Disposition of all or part of the Madewell Business (including by way of the issuance or disposition of any Equity Interests) so long as immediately after giving effect to such Disposition the Total Leverage Ratio for the Test Period immediately preceding such Disposition for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) is less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0 (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis); provided that the Borrower shall have (i) delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice of such Disposition in reasonable detail and (ii) if requested by the Administrative Agent, shall promptly deliver to the Administrative Agent an updated Borrowing Base Certificate;

(n) the unwinding of any Swap Contract;

(o) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights;

(p) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code (or comparable or successor provision), any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon permitted by such provision) for use in any business conducted by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not in contravention of Section 9.7;

(q) Dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof, provided that no disposition of Eligible Accounts shall be permitted pursuant to this clause (q) unless the Borrower shall have (i) delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice of such disposition in reasonable detail and (ii) if requested by the Administrative Agent, delivered to the Administrative Agent an updated Borrowing Base Certificate;

(r) sales or other dispositions by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of assets in connection with the closing or sale of a Store (including a factory Store) in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which consist of leasehold interests in the premises of such Store, the equipment and fixtures located at such premises and the books and records relating exclusively and directly to the operations of such Store; provided that as to each and all such sales and closings, (A) no Event of Default shall result therefrom and (B) such sale shall be on commercially reasonable prices and terms in a bona fide arm’s length transaction;

 

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(s) so long as no Event of Default exists or would arise as a result of the transaction, sales of a Subsidiary or any business segment which is a Non-Core Business Segment, or any portion thereof, (i) to any Person other than a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or a Sponsor, for fair market value and so long as the consideration received for such sale or transfer is at least 85% cash or Cash Equivalents, or (ii) to a Subsidiary or Sponsor, if the Payment Condition is satisfied, such sale or transfer is for fair market value and the entire consideration received for such sale or transfer is paid in cash or Cash Equivalents, provided that, in each case, such sale shall be in an amount at least equal to the greater of the amounts advanced or available to be advanced against the assets included in the sale under the Borrowing Base, and further provided that all Net Cash Proceeds, if any, received in connection with any such sales are applied to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.9(b); and

(t) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents;

provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to this Section 9.5 (except pursuant to Sections 9.5(a), (e), (i), (k), (m), (n), (o) and (q) and except for Dispositions from the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Loan Party), shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition as determined by the Borrower in good faith. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 9.5 to any Person other than a Loan Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, upon the certification by the Borrower that such Disposition is permitted by this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing.

SECTION 9.6 Restricted Payments.

Declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:

(a) each Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower and to its other Restricted Subsidiaries (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, to the Borrower and any of its other Restricted Subsidiaries and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests);

(b) the Borrower and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by Section 9.3) of such Person;

 

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(c) Restricted Payments made on the Effective Date to consummate the Transaction;

(d) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Section 9.2 (other than Section 9.2(e)), 9.4 (other than a merger or consolidation of Holdings and the Borrower) or 9.8 (other than Section 9.8(a), (j) or (k));

(e) repurchases of Equity Interests in Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants or similar rights if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants or similar rights;

(f) the Borrower may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of Holdings (or of any direct or indirect parent thereof) held by any future, present or former employee, director, consultant or distributor (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or otherwise pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, director, consultant or distributor of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount after the Effective Date together with the aggregate amount of loans and advances to Holdings made pursuant to Section 9.2(l) in lieu of Restricted Payments permitted by this clause (f) not to exceed $15,000,000 in any calendar year with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next two succeeding calendar years; provided, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Effective Date;

(g) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to Holdings or to any direct or indirect parent of Holdings:

(i) the proceeds of which will be used to pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) the tax liability to each foreign, federal, state or local jurisdiction in respect of which a consolidated, combined, unitary or affiliated return is filed by Holdings (or such direct or indirect parent) that includes the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries, to the extent such tax liability does not exceed the lesser of (A) the taxes that would have been payable by the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries as a stand-alone group and (B) the actual tax liability of Holdings’ consolidated, combined, unitary or affiliated group (or, if Holdings is not the parent of the actual group, the taxes that would have been paid by Holdings, the Borrower and/or the Borrower’s Subsidiaries as a stand-alone group), reduced by any such taxes paid or to be paid directly by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

 

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(ii) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) operating costs and expenses of Holdings or its direct or indirect parents incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business, attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

(iii) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof which does not own other Subsidiaries besides Holdings, its Subsidiaries and the direct or indirect parents of Holdings to pay) franchise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any of such direct or indirect parent’s) corporate existence;

(iv) to finance any Investment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 9.2; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) Holdings and the Borrower shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted in Section 9.4) of the Person formed or acquired into the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 8.11, 8.12 and 9.2;

(v) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) costs, fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering permitted by this Agreement; and

(vi) the proceeds of which (A) shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (B) shall be used to make payments permitted under Sections 9.8(e), (h), (k) and (p) (but only to the extent such payments have not been and are not expected to be made by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary);

(h) the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries may pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition;

 

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(i) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Borrower’s common stock following the first public offering of the Borrower’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parents after the Effective Date, of up to 6% per annum of the net proceeds received by or contributed to the Borrower in or from any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Borrower’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8;

(j) repurchases of Equity Interests (i) deemed to occur on the exercise of options by the delivery of Equity Interests in satisfaction of the exercise price of such options or (ii) in consideration of withholding or similar Taxes payable by any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing), including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;

(k) so long as immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, (x) the Total Leverage Ratio for the Test Period immediately preceding for which financial statements have been or are required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or (b) such Restricted Payment is less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0 (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) and satisfaction of such test shall be evidenced by a certificate from the chief financial officer demonstrating such satisfaction calculated in reasonable detail and (y) after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Restricted Payment and projected for the succeeding six (6) months following such Restricted Payment, Excess Availability shall be greater than the greater of (1) 15% of the Maximum Credit and (2) $30,000,000, (i) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Net Cash Proceeds from any Disposition, in whole or in part, of the Madewell Business (including by the disposition or issuance of Equity Interests evidencing ownership in respect thereof) or (ii) constituting the assets comprising all or any part of the Madewell Business (including any Equity Interest evidencing ownership in respect thereof);

(l) without duplication of any other clauses of this Section 9.6, other Restricted Payments that do not exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding, so long as the Payment Conditions shall have been satisfied after giving effect thereto; and

(m) Restricted Payments so long as the RP Conditions shall have been satisfied.

SECTION 9.7 Change in Nature of Business.

Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Effective Date or any business reasonably related or ancillary thereto.

SECTION 9.8 Transactions with Affiliates.

Enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate (other than Holdings) of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than:

(a) transactions between or among the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction,

 

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(b) transactions on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate,

(c) the Transaction and the payment of fees and expenses (including the Transaction Expenses) related to the Transaction,

(d) the issuance of Equity Interests of Holdings to any officer, director. employee or consultant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings in connection with the Transaction,

(e) the payment of management, consulting, monitoring, advisory and other fees, indemnities and expenses to the Sponsor pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement (plus any unpaid management, consulting, monitoring, advisory and other fees, indemnities and expenses accrued in any prior year) and any Sponsor Termination Fees pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement,

(f) employment and severance arrangements between Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements,

(g) the non-exclusive licensing of trademarks, copyrights or other IP Rights in the ordinary course of business to permit the commercial exploitation of IP Rights between or among Affiliates and Subsidiaries of Holdings or the Borrower,

(h) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out-of-pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, officers and employees of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries,

(i) any agreement, instrument or arrangement as in effect as of the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 9.8, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the Effective Date),

(j) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 9.6, and any Dispositions permitted by Section 9.5(m).

(k) customary payments by the Borrower and any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to the Sponsor made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities (including in connection with acquisitions or divestitures), which payments are approved by the majority of the members of the board of directors or a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors of Holdings in good faith,

 

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(l) transactions in which the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of clause (b) of this Section 9.8,

(m) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings to any Permitted Holder or to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legatees or distributees of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof to the extent otherwise permitted by this Agreement and to the extent such issuance or transfer would not give rise to a Change of Control,

(n) investments by the Sponsor or the Co-Investors in securities of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries so long as (A) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (B) the investment constitutes less than 5.0% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities,

(o) payments to or from, and transactions with, Joint Ventures (to the extent any such Joint Venture is only an Affiliate as a result of Investments by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiary in such Joint Venture) in the ordinary course of business to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 9.2;

(p) the payment of reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses relating to registration rights and indemnities provided to shareholders of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof pursuant to the stockholders agreement or the registration and participation rights agreement entered into on the Effective Date in connection therewith, and

(q) the payment of any dividend or distribution within sixty (60) days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration (i) such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Agreement and (ii) no Event of Default occurred and was continuing.

SECTION 9.9 Burdensome Agreements. Enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that prohibits, restricts, imposes any condition on or limits the ability of (a) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to make Restricted Payments to (directly or indirectly) or to make or repay loans or advances to any Loan Party or to Guarantee the Obligations of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents or (b) any Loan Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Lenders with respect to the Facility and the Obligations under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that:

(i) (x) exist on the date hereof and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 9.9) are listed on Schedule 9.9 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation,

 

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(ii) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary,

(iii) represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party that is permitted by Section 9.3,

(iv) are customary restrictions that arise in connection with (x) any Lien permitted by Sections 9.1(a), (m), (s), (t), (w), (x) and (dd) and relate to the property subject to such Lien or (y) any Disposition permitted by Section 9.5 applicable pending such Disposition solely to the assets subject to such Disposition,

(v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 9.2 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business,

(vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 9.3 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness (and excluding in any event any Indebtedness constituting any Junior Financing) and the proceeds and products thereof and, in the case of the Term Facility and any Permitted Refinancing thereof, permit the Liens securing the Obligations without restriction (subject to the Intercreditor Agreement),

(vii) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto,

(viii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Sections 9.3(e), (m)(i), (p), (r) or (v) to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness,

(ix) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of any Restricted Subsidiary,

(x) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business,

 

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(xi) are restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business,

(xii) are customary restrictions contained in the Term Facility Credit Agreement, the Term Facility Documentation, the Senior Notes Indenture and the Senior Notes and any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing,

(xiii) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Section 9.1, or

(xiv) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement governing Indebtedness entered into after the Effective Date and permitted under Section 9.3 that are, taken as a whole, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, no more restrictive with respect to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary than customary market terms for Indebtedness of such type (and, in any event, are no more restrictive than the restrictions contained in this Agreement), so long as the Borrower shall have determined in good faith that such restrictions will not affect its obligation or ability to make any payments required hereunder.

SECTION 9.10 [Reserved].

SECTION 9.11 Accounting Changes; Fiscal Year.

Make any change in Fiscal Year; provided, however, that the Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its Fiscal Year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in which case the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.

SECTION 9.12 Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness.

Prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest and mandatory prepayments of principal and interest shall be permitted) any Indebtedness, except (i) so long as the Payment Conditions are satisfied after giving effect thereto, any prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasance or other satisfaction of any Indebtedness; (ii) the refinancing of any Indebtedness with the Net Cash Proceeds of, or in exchange for, any Permitted Refinancing, to the extent not required to be applied to prepayments pursuant to the Term Facility; (iii) the conversion (or exchange) of any Indebtedness to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) or Indebtedness of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parents; (iv) the prepayment of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owed to Holdings, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or the prepayment of any Indebtedness with the proceeds of any other Indebtedness otherwise permitted by Section 9.3; (v) any Permitted Refinancing of any Indebtedness; (vi) any prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasance or other satisfaction with the Net Cash Proceeds of any Permitted Equity Issuance; and (vii) the prepayment of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clauses (e), (f), (h), (k) and (v) of Section 9.3;

 

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SECTION 9.13 [Reserved].

SECTION 9.14 Modification of Debt Agreements.

Amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interest of the Lenders any term or condition of (i) any Material Indebtedness (other than as a result of a Permitted Refinancing thereof and in any event excluding the Term Facility and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and any Indebtedness hereunder) without the consent of the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) or (ii) the Term Facility or any refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof that would (A) shorten the maturity date of the Term Facility or such refinancing Indebtedness to a date which is prior to ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date or (B) shorten the date scheduled for any principal payment or increase the amount of any required principal payment, the result of which would be to require principal payments on account thereof in excess of the amounts previously required over the twenty-four (24) months following such amendment, modification or waiver.

SECTION 9.15 Holdings. In the case of Holdings, conduct, transact or otherwise engage in any business or operations other than the following (and activities incidental thereto): (i) its ownership of the Equity Interests of the Borrower, (ii) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance), (iii) the performance of its obligations with respect to the Loan Documents, the Term Facility, any Senior Notes, any Qualified Holding Company Debt, or the Merger Agreement and the other agreements contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (iv) any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance of its Equity Interests or make payments or restricted payments with any amounts received in any transaction permitted under Section 9.6, (v) the incurrence of Qualified Holding Company Debt and the issuance of Qualified Equity Interests, (vi) making contributions to the capital of its Subsidiaries, (vii) guaranteeing the obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries solely to the extent such obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are not prohibited hereunder, (viii) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative matters as a member of the consolidated group of Holdings and the Borrower, (ix) holding any cash or property received in connection with Restricted Payments made by the Borrower in accordance with Section 9.6 pending application thereof by Holdings, (x) providing indemnification to officers and directors and (xi) activities incidental to the businesses or activities described in clauses (i) to (x) of this Section 9.15.

ARTICLE X

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

SECTION 10.1 Events of Default.

Each of the events referred to in clauses (a) through (l) of this Section 10.1 shall constitute an “Event of Default

(a) Non-Payment. The Borrower fails to (i) pay when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or deliver any cash collateral or letter of credit required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(b), or (ii) pay within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or

 

 

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(b) Specific Covenants.

(i) The Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or, in the case of Section 9.15, Holdings, fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in (A) Article VI; provided, that, any failure to comply with Article VI shall be subject to cure to the extent provided in Section 10.4, (B) Section 7.2(a), Section 8.1(a) (solely with respect to the Borrower), (C) Section 8.9 or (D) Article IX;

(ii) during the continuation of any Cash Dominion Period the Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to perform or observe (or to cause to be performed or observed) any covenant or agreement contained in Section 8.12; or

(iii) the Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to perform or observe (or to cause to be performed or observed) any covenant or agreement contained in Section 7.4(a) or Section 7.4(b), as applicable, and in either case such failure continues for five (5) Business Days after receipt by the Borrower of written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent; or

(iv) the Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to perform or observe (or to cause to be performed or observed) any covenant or agreement contained in Section 8.5 in respect of any insurance covering Current Asset Collateral and such failure continues for ten (10) Business Days after receipt by the Borrower of written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent; or

(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Section 10.1(a) or (b) above and, for the purpose of clarity, including any failure to perform or observe any covenant or agreement contained in (x) Section 8.12 other than during the continuation of any Cash Dominion Period or (y) Section 8.5 other than with respect to insurance covering Current Asset Collateral) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after receipt by the Borrower of written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent; or

(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by any Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be untrue in any material respect when made or deemed made; or

(e) Cross-Default. Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period, if any, whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise, in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder) having an aggregate outstanding principal amount (individually or in the aggregate with all other Indebtedness as to which

 

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such a failure shall exist) of not less than $35,000,000, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, or any other event occurs (other than, with respect to Indebtedness consisting of Swap Contracts, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such Swap Contracts and not as a result of any default thereunder by any Loan Party) the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (e)(B) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; provided further that such failure is unremedied and is not waived by the holders of such Indebtedness prior to any termination of the Aggregate Commitments or acceleration of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.2; provided that no such event under the Term Facility (other than a payment default or any default relating to insolvency or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law) shall constitute an Event of Default under this Section 8.1(e) until the earliest to occur of (x) the date that is thirty (30) days after such event or circumstance (but only if such event or circumstance has not been waived or cured), (y) the acceleration of the Indebtedness under the Term Facility and (z) the exercise of any remedies by the Term Facility Administrative Agent or collateral agent or any lenders under the Term Facility in respect of any Collateral; or

(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Holdings, the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

(g) Judgments. There is entered against any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding $35,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied or failed to acknowledge coverage thereof) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or

 

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(h) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party or their respective ERISA Affiliates under Title IV of ERISA in an aggregate amount which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) any Loan Party or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its Withdrawal Liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) with respect to a Foreign Plan a termination, withdrawal or noncompliance with applicable law or plan terms that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

(i) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any material provision of any Loan Document at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 9.4 or 9.5) or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or

(j) Collateral Documents. Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.1 or 8.11 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms hereof or thereof including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 9.4 or 9.5) cease to create, or any Lien purported to be created by any Collateral Document shall be asserted in writing by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected lien, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents (or other security purported to be created on the applicable Collateral) on and security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to Liens permitted under Section 9.1, except to the extent that any such loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file UCC continuation statements and except as to Collateral consisting of real property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied coverage; or

(k) Junior Financing Documentation. (i) Any of the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents for any reason shall cease to be “Senior Indebtedness” (or any comparable term) or “Senior Secured Financing” (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in any Junior Financing Documentation governing Junior Financing subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations under the Loan Documents with an aggregate principal amount of not less than $35,000,000 or (ii) the subordination provisions set forth in any Junior Financing Documentation governing Junior Financing subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations under the Loan Documents with an aggregate principal amount of not less than $35,000,000 shall, in whole or in part, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against the holders of any such Junior Financing, if applicable; or

 

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(l) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control.

SECTION 10.2 Remedies upon Event of Default.

(a) If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may with the consent of, and shall at the request of, the Requisite Lenders take any or all of the following actions:

(i) declare Revolving Credit Commitments of each Lender and any obligation of the Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such Revolving Credit Commitments and obligation shall be terminated;

(ii) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;

(iii) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the Letter of Credit Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and

(iv) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law;

provided that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the Revolving Credit Commitments of each Lender and any obligation of the Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the Letter of Credit Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

(b) Without limitation of the rights of the Agents or Secured Parties under Section 8.12 and the definitions of Qualified Cash and Qualified Cash Securities Account, the Borrower hereby irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any and all payments in respect of the Obligations and any proceeds of Collateral after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and agrees that during the continuance of an Event of Default, and notwithstanding Section 2.13(f) above, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion, and, upon either (A) the written direction of the Requisite Lenders or (B) the acceleration of the Obligations pursuant to Section 10.2(a), deliver a notice to each Approved Account Bank instructing them to cease complying with any instructions from any Loan Party and to transfer all funds therein to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall apply all payments in respect of any Obligations and all funds on deposit in the Concentration Account and all other proceeds of Collateral in the order specified in Section 10.3 hereof.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if the only Events of Default then having occurred and continuing are the failure to comply with Section 6.1 with respect to the Test Period most recently ended, then the Administrative Agent may not take any of the actions set forth in subclauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of Section 10.2(a) during the period commencing on the date that the Administrative Agent receives a Notice of Intent to Cure and ending on the Cure Expiration Date with respect thereto in accordance with and to the extent permitted by Section 10.4.

SECTION 10.3 Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 10.2 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the Letter of Credit Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 10.2), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

First, ratably, pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Administrative Agent or any Issuer from the Borrower (other than in connection with Cash Management Obligations or Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements);

Second, ratably, to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Revolving Credit Lenders from the Borrower (other than in connection with Cash Management Obligations or Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements);

Third, to pay interest due and payable in respect of any Loans (including any Swing Loans) and any Protective Advances, ratably;

Fourth, to pay the principal of the Protective Advances;

Fifth, to pay principal on the Loans (other than the Protective Advances) and unreimbursed Letter of Credit Borrowings and to pay any amounts owing with respect to Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements (other than any Specified Secured Hedge Obligations), ratably;

Sixth, to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to 101% of the Letter of Credit Obligations on such date, to be held in the Concentration Account as cash collateral for such Obligations;

Seventh, to pay any amounts owing with respect to Cash Management Obligations, ratably;

Eighth, to pay any amounts owing with respect to any Specified Secured Hedge Obligations, ratably;

Ninth, to the payment of any other Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by the Borrower;

 

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Tenth, as provided for under the Intercreditor Agreement; and

Eleventh, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as the Borrower shall direct or as otherwise required by Law.

Subject to Sections 2.4, 2.16, 8.12 and 10.5, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Sixth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as cash collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above and, if no Obligations remain outstanding, to the Borrower.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if sufficient funds are not available to fund all payments to be made in respect of any Secured Obligation described in any of clauses First through Tenth above, the available funds being applied with respect to any such Secured Obligation (unless otherwise specified in such clause) shall be allocated to the payment of such Secured Obligation ratably, based on the proportion of the Administrative Agent’s and each Lender’s or Issuer’s interest in the aggregate outstanding Secured Obligations described in such clauses; provided, however, that payments that would otherwise be allocated to the Lenders shall be allocated first to repay Protective Advances and Swing Loans pro rata until such Protective Advances and Swing Loans are paid in full and then to repay the Loans. The order of priority set forth in clauses First through Eighth above may at any time and from time to time be changed by the agreement of all Lenders without necessity of notice to or consent of or approval by the Borrower, any Secured Party that is not a Lender or Issuer or by any other Person that is not a Lender or Issuer. The order of priority set forth in clauses First through Ninth above may be changed only with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent in addition to that of all Lenders.

SECTION 10.4 Company’s Right to Cure.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 10.1, in the event of any Event of Default under any covenant set forth in Article VI and until the expiration of the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date on which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio calculation would be required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 or Section 7.2(a) (such date, the “Cure Expiration Date”), following delivery of a Notice of Intent to Cure in accordance herewith, the Borrower may designate any portion of the Net Cash Proceeds of any issuance of common Equity Interests of the Borrower or any cash capital contribution to the common equity of the Borrower as an increase to Consolidated EBITDA with respect to such applicable quarter; provided that all such Net Cash Proceeds to be so designated (i) are actually received by the Borrower as cash common equity (including through capital contribution of such Net Cash Proceeds to the Borrower) after the date of such notice and before the Cure Expiration Date and (ii) the aggregate amount of such Net Cash Proceeds or cash capital contribution that are so designated shall not exceed 100% of the aggregate amount necessary to cure such Event of Default under Article VI for any applicable period.

 

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(b) Upon receipt by the Borrower of any such designated Net Cash Proceeds or cash capital contribution (the “Cure Amount”) in accordance with this Section 10.4, Consolidated EBITDA for any period of calculation which includes the last Fiscal Quarter of the Test Period ending immediately prior to the date on which such Cure Amount was received shall be increased, solely for the purpose of calculating any financial ratio set forth in Article VI, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount. The resulting increase to Consolidated EBITDA and any reduction in Indebtedness, if applicable, from designation of a Cure Amount shall not result in any adjustment to Consolidated EBITDA or any other financial definition for any purpose under this Agreement other than for purposes of calculating the financial ratio set forth in Article VI and for additional clarification shall not adjust the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of determining the Total Leverage Ratio or Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (other than for purposes of actual compliance with Article VI as of the end of any applicable Test Period).

(c) If, after giving effect to the foregoing recalculations, the Borrower shall then be in compliance with the requirements of Article VI, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of Article VI as of the relevant date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply therewith at such date, and the applicable existing breach or default of Article VI shall be deemed cured for this purpose of the Agreement.

(d) In each period of four Fiscal Quarters, there shall be at least two (2) Fiscal Quarters for which Consolidated EBITDA is not increased by exercise of a cure pursuant to Section 10.4(a).

SECTION 10.5 Actions in Respect of Letters of Credit; Cash Collateral.

(a) At any time (i) upon the Revolving Credit Termination Date, (ii) after the Revolving Credit Termination Date when the aggregate funds on deposit in the Concentration Account to Cash Collateralize Letter of Credit Obligations shall be less than 101% of the Letter of Credit Obligations and (iii) as may be required by Section 2.9 or Section 2.16, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s office referred to in Section 12.8, for deposit in the Concentration Account, (x) in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, the amount required to that, after such payment, the aggregate funds on deposit in the Concentration Account counts equals or exceeds 101% of the sum of all outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations and (y) in the case of clause (iii) above, the amount required by Section 2.9. The Administrative Agent may, from time to time after funds are deposited in the Concentration Account, apply funds then held in the Concentration Account to the payment of any amounts, in accordance with Section 2.9 and Section 10.2(b), as shall have become or shall become due and payable by the Borrower to the Issuers or Lenders in respect of the Letter of Credit Obligations. The Administrative Agent shall promptly give written notice of any such application; provided, however, that the failure to give such written notice shall not invalidate any such application. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the applicable Fronting Exposure and other obligations secured thereby, the Borrower or the relevant Defaulting Lender will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency. The Administrative Agent may, at any time and from time to time after the initial deposit of Cash Collateral, request that additional Cash Collateral be provided in order to protect against the results of exchange rate fluctuations.

 

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(b) Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 10.5 or Sections 2.4, 2.9, 2.12, 2.16 or 10.2 in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Loans shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific Letter of Credit Obligations, Swing Loans, obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) and other obligations for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may be provided for herein.

(c) Release. Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or other obligations shall be released promptly following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure or other obligations giving rise thereto (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender or, as appropriate, its assignee following compliance with Section 12.2(b)(vi)) or (ii) the Administrative Agent’s good faith determination that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, (x) that Cash Collateral furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party shall not be released during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default (and following application as provided in this Section 10.5 may be otherwise applied in accordance with Section 10.3), and (y) the Person providing Cash Collateral and the applicable Issuer or Swing Loan Lender, as applicable, may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

ARTICLE XI

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

SECTION 11.1 Appointment and Authorization.

(a) Each of the Lenders and the Issuers hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article XI (other than Sections 11.6 and 11.11) are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuers, and the Borrower shall not have rights as a third party beneficiary of any such provision.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall also act as the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders (including in its capacities as a potential Hedge Bank and/or Cash Management Bank) and the Issuers hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or in trust for) such Lender and such Issuer for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as “collateral agent” and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 11.5 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and

 

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remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent, shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article XI and Article XII (including Sections 11.3, 11.14, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto (including the Intercreditor Agreement), as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and acknowledge and agree that any such action by any Agent shall bind the Lenders.

SECTION 11.2 Rights as a Lender.

Any Person serving as an Agent (including as Administrative Agent) hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include each Person serving as an Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not an Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, any Agent or its Affiliates may receive information regarding any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Loan Party or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that no Agent shall be under any obligation to provide such information to them.

SECTION 11.3 Exculpatory Provisions. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Agent shall have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an Agent (including the Administrative Agent):

(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law and instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties;

(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that such Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Requisite Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that no Agent shall be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose such Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

 

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(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by any Person serving as an Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Requisite Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 12.1 and 12.2) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuer.

No Agent-Related Person shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any recital statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Collateral Documents, (v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral, or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent, or (vii) to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof.

SECTION 11.4 Reliance by the Administrative Agent.

The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the applicable Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or such Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

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The Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Requisite Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Requisite Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders; provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or in the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law.

SECTION 11.5 Delegation of Duties.

The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Documents by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Agent-Related Persons. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Agent-Related Persons of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

SECTION 11.6 Resignation of Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent.

(a) The Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuers and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Requisite Lenders shall have the right, with the consent of the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), to appoint a successor, which shall be a Lender or a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such Lender or bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Requisite Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, may on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuers, appoint a successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuers under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor of such Agent is appointed) and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to

 

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each Lender and each Issuer directly, until such time as the Requisite Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section 11.6. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, hereunder and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such amendments or supplements to the Mortgages, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Requisite Lenders may request, in order to (i) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (ii) otherwise ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement is satisfied, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Sections 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Agent-Related Persons in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Agent was acting as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable.

(b) Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall also constitute its resignation as an Issuer and Swing Loan Lender. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (i) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Issuer and Swing Loan Lender, (ii) the retiring Issuer and Swing Loan Lender shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (iii) the successor Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit issued by Bank of America, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.

SECTION 11.7 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders; Disclosure of Information by Agents.

Each Lender and each Issuer acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower and the other Loan

 

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Parties hereunder. Each Lender and each Issuer also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Agent-Related Persons and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.

SECTION 11.8 No Other Duties; Other Agents, Arrangers, Managers, Etc.

Goldman Sachs Bank USA is hereby appointed Syndication Agent hereunder, and each Lender hereby authorizes Goldman Sachs Bank USA to act as Syndication Agent in accordance with the terms hereof and the other Loan Documents. Each of HSBC Bank USA, N.A., SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, is hereby appointed Co-Documentation Agent hereunder, and each Lender hereby authorizes HSBC Bank USA, N.A., SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, to act as Co-Documentation Agent in accordance with the terms hereof and the other Loan Documents. Each Agent hereby agrees to act in its capacity as such upon the express conditions contained herein and the other Loan Documents, as applicable. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Joint Bookrunners, Arrangers or other Agents listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or a Lender hereunder and such Persons shall have the benefit of this Article XI. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any agency or fiduciary or trust relationship with any Lender, Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder. Each of the Syndication Agent and each Co-Documentation Agent, without consent of or notice to any party hereto, may assign any and all of its rights or obligations hereunder to any of its Affiliates. Each of the Syndication Agent, and each Co-Documentation Agent and any other Agent may resign from such role at any time, with immediate effect, by giving prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and Borrower.

SECTION 11.9 Intercreditor Agreement. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are authorized to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement, and the parties hereto acknowledge that the Intercreditor Agreement is binding upon them. Each Lender (a) hereby consents to the subordination of the Liens on the Collateral other than the Current Asset Collateral securing the Obligations on the terms set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement, (b) hereby agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (c) hereby authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement and to subject the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations to the provisions thereof. The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the Secured Parties to extend credit to the Borrower and such Secured Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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SECTION 11.10 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or Letter of Credit Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, Letter of Credit Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuers and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Issuers and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Issuers and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.12, 12.3 and 12.4) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and each Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the Issuers, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.12, 12.3 and 12.4.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or any Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or any Issuer to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or any Issuer in any such proceeding.

SECTION 11.11 Collateral and Guaranty Matters.

Each of the Lenders (including in its capacities as a potential Cash Management Bank and a potential Hedge Bank) and the Issuers irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, and each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent agrees that it will:

(a) release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (x) obligations and liabilities under Secured Hedge Agreements as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank shall have been made, (y) Cash Management Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Cash Management Bank shall have been made and (z) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each applicable Issuer shall have been made), (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is transferred or to be transferred as part of or in connection with any transfer permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Person other than Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries that are Guarantors, (iii) subject to Section 12.1, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Requisite Lenders, or (iv) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (c) below;

 

 

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(b) release or subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 9.1(i);

(c) release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if (i) in the case of any Subsidiary, such Person ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of a transaction or designation permitted hereunder or (ii) in the case of Holdings, as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder; provided that no such release shall occur if such Guarantor continues to be a guarantor in respect of the Term Facility, Senior Notes or any Junior Financing; and

(d) if any Guarantor shall cease to be a Material Subsidiary (as certified in writing by a Responsible Officer), and the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that it wishes such Guarantor to be released from its obligations under the Guaranty and provides the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent such certifications or documents as either such Agent shall reasonably request, (i) release such Subsidiary from its obligations under the Guaranty and (ii) release any Liens granted by such Subsidiary or Liens on the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary; provided that no such release shall occur if such Subsidiary continues to be a guarantor in respect of the Term Facility, the Senior Notes or any other Junior Financing.

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Requisite Lenders will confirm in writing the Collateral Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 11.11. In each case as specified in this Section 11.11, the applicable Agent will (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the applicable Agent to), at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 11.11.

 

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SECTION 11.12 [Reserved].

SECTION 11.13 Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein or in any Guaranty or any Collateral Document, no Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank that obtains the benefits of Section 10.3, any Guaranty or any Collateral by virtue of the provisions hereof or of any Guaranty or any Collateral Document shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article XI to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Obligations arising under Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Obligations, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be.

(b) Each Secured Party hereby agrees (i) that, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Period (and thereafter at such frequency as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in writing), it will provide to the Administrative Agent, promptly upon the written request of the Administrative Agent, a summary of all Obligations owing to it under this Agreement and (ii) that the benefit of the provisions of the Loan Documents directly relating to the Collateral or any Lien granted thereunder shall extend to and be available to any Secured Party that is not an Agent, a Lender or an Issuing Bank party hereto as long as, by accepting such benefits, such Secured Party agrees, as among Agent and all other Secured Parties, that such Secured Party is bound by (and, if requested by Agent, shall confirm such agreement in a writing in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent) this Article XI and Sections 3.1, Sections 12.4, 12.6, 12.19, 12.23 and 12.26 and the Intercreditor Agreement, and the decisions and actions of any Agent and the Requisite Lenders (or, where expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, a greater proportion of the Lenders or other parties hereto as required herein) to the same extent a Lender is bound; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing clause (ii), (x) such Secured Party shall be bound by Sections 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 only to the extent of liabilities, reimbursement obligations, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses, or disbursements with respect to or otherwise relating to the Liens and Collateral held for the benefit of such Secured Party, in which case the obligations of such Secured Party thereunder shall not be limited by any concept of pro rata share or similar concept, (y) each of Agents, the Lenders and the Issuers party hereto shall be entitled to act at its sole discretion, without regard to the interest of such Secured Party, regardless of whether any Obligation to such Secured Party thereafter remains outstanding, is deprived of the benefit of the Collateral, becomes unsecured or is otherwise affected or put in jeopardy thereby, and without any duty or liability to such Secured Party or any such Obligation and (z) such Secured Party shall not have any right to be notified of, consent to, direct, require or be heard with respect to, any action taken or omitted in respect of the Collateral or under any Loan Document.

 

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SECTION 11.14 Indemnification of Agents.

Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand the Administrative Agent and each other Agent-Related Person (solely to the extent any such Agent-Related Person was performing services on behalf of the Administrative Agent) (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless the Administrative Agent and each other Agent-Related Person (solely to the extent any such Agent-Related Person was performing services on behalf of the Administrative Agent) from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Requisite Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 11.14. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 11.14 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse the Administrative Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Borrower, provided that such reimbursement by the Lenders shall not affect the Borrower’s continuing reimbursement obligations with respect thereto, provided further that the failure of any Lender to indemnify or reimburse the Administrative Agent shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation in respect thereof. The undertaking in this Section 11.14 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Swing Loan Lender or any Issuer.

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 12.1 Amendments, Etc. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Requisite Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

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(a) extend or increase the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (it being understood that (i) a waiver of any condition precedent set forth in Section 4.2 and (ii) the waiver of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Revolving Credit Commitment of any Lender);

(b) postpone any date scheduled for, or reduce the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Section 2.6 or 2.10 without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest;

(c) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or Letter of Credit Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iii) of the second proviso to this Section 12.1) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (it being understood that any change to any component of “Excess Availability” shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest); provided that only the consent of the Requisite Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;

(d) change any provision of this Section 12.1, the definition of “Requisite Lenders”, “Requisite Class Lenders”, “Supermajority Lenders” or any other provision specifying the number of Lenders or portion of the Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments required to take any action under the Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby;

(e) other than in a transaction permitted under Section 9.4 or 9.5, release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;

(f) other than in a transaction permitted under Section 9.4 or 9.5, release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender;

(g) change the definition of the term “Borrowing Base” or any component definition thereof, but excluding the definition of “Eligible Accounts Advance Rate”, “Credit Card Advance Rate”, “Letter of Credit Advance Rate”, “Eligible Inventory Advance Rate” or “In-Transit Advance Rate” or the numerical percentage of Qualified Cash in the definition of “Borrowing Base”, in each case the amendment or modifications of which shall be subject to clause (h) below, if as a result thereof the amounts available to be borrowed by the Borrower would be increased, without the written consent of the Supermajority Lenders, provided that the foregoing shall not limit the discretion of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Availability Reserves, Inventory Reserves or Shrink Reserves without the consent of any Lenders;

 

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(h) increase the numerical percentage contained in Eligible Accounts Advance Rate, Credit Card Advance Rate, Letter of Credit Advance Rate, Eligible Inventory Advance Rate or In-Transit Advance Rate without the written consent of each Lender; provided that the foregoing shall not limit the discretion of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Availability Reserves, Inventory Reserves or Shrink Reserves without the consent of any Lenders;

(i) without the prior written consent of all Lenders directly affected thereby, (i) subordinate the Obligations hereunder to any other Indebtedness, or (ii) except as provided by operation of applicable Law or in the Intercreditor Agreement, subordinate the Liens granted hereunder or under the other Loan Documents to any other Lien; or

(j) change the order of the application of funds specified in Section 10.3 without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

and provided further that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of an Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Loan Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Loan Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) Section 12.2(g) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification; (v) the consent of Requisite Class Lenders shall be required with respect to any amendment that by its terms adversely affects the rights of such Class in respect of payments hereunder in a manner different than such amendment affects other Classes; and (vi) no Lender consent is required to effect any amendment or supplement to the Intercreditor Agreement, (A) that is for the purpose of adding the holders of Indebtedness incurred or issued pursuant to a Permitted Refinancing of the Term Facility (or any agent or trustee of such holders) as parties thereto, as expressly contemplated by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and permitted under Section 9.3(p) (it being understood that any such amendment or supplement may make such other changes to the intercreditor agreement as, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, are required to effectuate the foregoing and provided that such other changes are not adverse, in any material respect, to the interests of the Lenders) or (B) that is expressly contemplated by Sections 5.2(c) or 7.4 of the Intercreditor Agreement with respect to a Permitted Refinancing of the Term Facility permitted under Section 9.3(p) (or the comparable provisions, if any, of any successor intercreditor agreement with respect to a Permitted Refinancing of the Term Facility permitted under Section 9.3(p)); provided further that no such agreement shall, pursuant to this clause (vi), amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 12.1, guarantees, collateral security documents and related documents executed by Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities or defects or (iii) to cause such guarantee, collateral security document or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

If any Lender does not consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document that requires the consent of each Lender and that has been approved by the Requisite Lenders, the Borrower may replace such non-consenting Lender in accordance with Section 3.7; provided that such amendment, waiver, consent or release can be effected as a result of the assignment contemplated by such Section (together with all other such assignments required by the Borrower to be made pursuant to this paragraph).

SECTION 12.2 Successors and Assigns.

(a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Holdings nor the Borrower may, except as permitted by Section 9.4, assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section, or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of subsection (g) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuers and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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(b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in Letter of Credit Obligations and in Swing Loans) at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Minimum Amounts.

(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment and the Loans of any Class at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(B) in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment (plus the principal outstanding balance of the Loans) or, if the Revolving Credit Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default under Section 10.1(a) or (f), solely with respect to the Borrower, has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met;

(ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Revolving Credit Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not apply to rights in respect of the Swing Loan Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of Swing Loans;

(iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

(A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default under Section 10.1(a) or, solely with respect to the Borrower or any Guarantor, Section 10.1(f), has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

(B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender;

 

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(C) the consent of the Issuers (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment that increases the obligation of the assignee to participate in exposure under one or more Letters of Credit (whether or not then outstanding); and

(D) the consent of the Swing Loan Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment;

(iv) Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The Eligible Assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire. All assignments shall be by novation.

(v) No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made (A) to Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries, or (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B), or (C) to a natural person.

(vi) Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a

 

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Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 12.3, 12.4 and 12.5 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Revolving Credit Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Revolving Credit Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

(c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Revolving Credit Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. In addition, the Administrative Agent shall maintain on the Register information regarding the designation, and revocation of designation, of any Lender as a Defaulting Lender. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. This Section 12.2(c) and Section 2.7 shall be construed so that all Loans are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury regulations (or any other relevant or successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury regulations).

(d) Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, a Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in Letter of Credit Obligations and/or Swing Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents, the other Lenders and the Issuers shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

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Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 12.1 (other than clause (d) thereof) that directly affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.1 (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.1(b), (c) or (d), as applicable), Section 3.4 and Section 3.5 (through the applicable Lender) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 12.6 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 12.7 as though it were a Lender.

(e) Limitations upon Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.1, 3.4 or 3.5 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.1 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply and does in fact comply with Section 3.1 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall (acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower) maintain a register complying with the requirements of Sections 163(f), 871(h) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and the Treasury regulations issued thereunder relating to the exemption from withholding for portfolio interest on which is entered the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”). A Lender shall not be obligated to disclose the Participant Register to any Person except to the extent such disclosure is necessary to establish that any Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.

(f) Any Lender may, at any time, pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Revolving Credit Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “SPC”) the option to provide all or any part of any Revolving Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Revolving Loan, and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Revolving Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Revolving Loan pursuant to the terms hereof or, if it fails to do so, to make such payment to the Administrative Agent as is required

 

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under Section 2.13(e). Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement (including its obligations under Sections 3.1, 3.4 and 3.5), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Revolving Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Revolving Credit Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Revolving Loan were made by such Granting Lender. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior debt of any SPC, it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, or liquidation proceeding under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500 (which processing fee may be waived by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Revolving Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Revolving Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.

(h) Resignation as Issuer or Swing Loan Lender after Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America or any other Issuer assigns all of its Revolving Credit Commitment and Revolving Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank of America or the applicable Issuer may, (i) upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as Issuer and/or (ii) if applicable, upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Borrower, resign as Swing Loan Lender. In the event of any such resignation as Issuer or Swing Loan Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor Issuer or Swing Loan Lender hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America or the applicable Issuer as Issuer or (as applicable) Swing Loan Lender, as the case may be. If Bank of America or the applicable Issuer resigns as Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of an Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as Issuer and all Letter of Credit Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans, Canadian Prime Rate Loan or fundings in respect of Letters of Credit denominated in Euros, as the case may be, or fund risk participations in unreimbursed amounts under Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.4). If Bank of America resigns as Swing Loan Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Loan Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans, Canadian Prime Rate Loan or fundings in respect of Letters of Credit denominated in Euros, as the case may be, or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Loans pursuant to Section 2.3. Upon the appointment of a successor Issuer and/or Swing Loan Lender, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Issuer or Swing Loan Lender, as the case may be, and (b) the successor Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America or the applicable Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America or the applicable Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.

 

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SECTION 12.3 Costs and Expenses.

The Borrower agrees (a) if the Effective Date occurs, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent, each Co-Documentation Agent and the Arrangers for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, syndication and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including all Attorney Costs of Shearman & Sterling LLP and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole, and (b) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Issuers and the Lenders for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, and including all Attorney Costs of one counsel to the Administrative Agent, the Issuers and the Lenders taken as a whole (and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel in any relevant material jurisdiction and, in the event of any conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of affected Lenders similarly situated taken as a whole)). The agreements in this Section 12.3 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 12.3 shall be paid promptly following receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail. If any Loan Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion. The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby acknowledge that the Administrative Agent, any Issuer and/or any Lender may receive a benefit, including a discount, credit or other accommodation, from any of such counsel based on the fees such counsel may receive on account of their relationship with the Administrative Agent, such Issuer and/or such Lender, including fees paid pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

SECTION 12.4 Indemnities.

The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless the Agents, each Lender, each Issuer, the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, partners, trustees or advisors and other representatives (collectively the “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to all Indemnitees taken as a whole and, if

 

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reasonably necessary, a single local counsel for all Indemnitees taken as a whole in each relevant jurisdiction that is material to the interest of the Lenders, and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of affected Indemnitees similarly situated taken as a whole) (i) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) any Revolving Credit Commitment, Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), or (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party, or any Environmental Liabilities arising out of the activities or operations of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”); provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any affiliate, director, officer, employee or agent of such Indemnitee or (y) a material breach of any obligations under any Loan Document by such Indemnitee or of any Related Indemnified Person, in each case as determined by a final, non appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or any dispute solely among Indemnitees other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an administrative agent or arranger or any similar role under the Facility and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates. To the extent that the undertakings to indemnify and hold harmless set forth in this Section 12.4 may be unenforceable in whole or in part because they are violative of any applicable law or public policy, the Borrower shall contribute the maximum portion that it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law to the payment and satisfaction of all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee or any Loan Party have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Effective Date) (other than, in the case of any Loan Party, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party). In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 12.4 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, its directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents is consummated. All amounts due under this Section 12.4 shall be paid within twenty (20) Business Days after written demand therefor. The agreements in this Section 12.4

 

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shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Swing Loan Lender or any Issuer, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. This Section 12.4 shall not apply to Taxes, or amounts excluded from the definition of Taxes pursuant to clauses (i) through (vii) of the first sentence of Section 3.1(a), that are imposed with respect to payments to or for account of any Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document, which shall be governed by Section 3.1. This Section 12.5 also shall not apply to Other Taxes or to taxes covered by Section 3.4.

SECTION 12.5 Limitation of Liability.

The Loan Parties agree that no Indemnitee shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) to any Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective equity holders or creditors for or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and in the other Loan Documents, except to the extent such liability is determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct or bad faith or breach by such Indemnitee of its material obligations under this Agreement. In no event, shall any party hereto or any Indemnitee be liable on any theory of liability for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (including any loss of profits, business or anticipated savings). Each party hereto hereby waives, releases and agrees (each for itself and on behalf of its Subsidiaries) not to sue upon any such claim for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.

SECTION 12.6 Right of Setoff.

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such other Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.16 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender and its Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or its Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

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SECTION 12.7 Sharing of Payments.

If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on account of the Loans made by it, or the participations in Letter of Credit Obligations and Swing Loans held by it (in each case, whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Loans made by them and/or such subparticipations in the participations in Letter of Credit Obligations or Swing Loans held by them, as the case may be, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment of principal of or interest on such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 12.15 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Sections 10.3 and 10.5. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement as in effect from time to time or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant permitted hereunder. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off, but subject to Section 12.6) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 12.7 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 12.7 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.

 

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SECTION 12.8 Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies.

(a) General. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

(i) if to Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, an Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 12.8; and

(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.

Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).

(b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuers hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

(c) Receipt. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

(d) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY

 

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OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Agent-Related Persons or any Arranger (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to Holdings, the Borrower, any Lender, any Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided, however, that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to Holdings, the Borrower, any Lender, any Issuer or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).

(e) Change of Address. Each of Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Issuer and the Swing Loan Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, each Issuer and the Swing Loan Lender. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.

(f) Reliance by Administrative Agent, Issuers and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the Issuers and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Notices of Borrowing or Swing Loan Requests) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuer, each Lender and the Agent-Related Persons of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

 

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SECTION 12.9 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.

No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.

SECTION 12.10 Judgment Currency. If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court, it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or any other Loan Document in one currency into another currency, the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the first currency with such other currency on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligation of the Borrower in respect of any such sum due from it to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency (the “Judgment Currency”) other than that in which such sum is denominated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement (the “Agreement Currency”), be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, the Administrative Agent may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Agreement Currency with the Judgment Currency. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower in the Agreement Currency, the Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Administrative Agent or the Person to whom such obligation was owing against such loss. If the amount of the Agreement Currency so purchased is greater than the sum originally due to the Administrative Agent in such currency, the Administrative Agent agrees to return the amount of any excess to the Borrower (or to any other Person who may be entitled thereto under applicable Law).

SECTION 12.11 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower, Holdings and the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Lender, Swing Loan Lender and each Issuer that each such Lender, Swing Loan Lender and Issuer has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, Holdings, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 12.12 [Reserved].

SECTION 12.13 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Service of Process.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

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(b) THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER EACH IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES THAT THE AGENTS AND LENDERS RETAIN THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY LOAN PARTY IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS UNDER ANY COLLATERAL DOCUMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT.

(c) THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER EACH IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(d) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 12.8. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

SECTION 12.14 Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER

 

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PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

SECTION 12.15 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside.

None of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuer shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of the Loan Parties or any other party or against or in payment of any or all of the Obligations. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of set-off, and such payment or the proceeds of such set-off or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such set-off had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.

SECTION 12.16 [Reserved].

SECTION 12.17 Execution in Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.3, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 12.18 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents.

The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any amendment or other modification hereof (including waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

SECTION 12.19 Confidentiality.

Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuers agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information in accordance with its customary procedures (as set forth below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, provided that the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions at least as restrictive as those of this Section 12.19, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or any Eligible Assignee invited to be an Additional Lender or (ii) any actual or prospective direct or indirect counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower; (h) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to the Loan Parties received by it from such Lender); or (i) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuer, any Lender, or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof, and which source is not known by such Agent or Lender to be subject to a confidentiality restriction in respect thereof in favor of the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower.

For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof relating to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof or their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, it being understood that all information received from Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof shall be deemed confidential unless such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as not being confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so in accordance with its customary procedures if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

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Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.

SECTION 12.20 Use of Name, Logo, etc.

Each Loan Party consents to the publication in the ordinary course by Administrative Agent or the Arrangers of customary advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement using such Loan Party’s name, product photographs, logo or trademark. Such consent shall remain effective until revoked by such Loan Party in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers.

SECTION 12.21 USA PATRIOT Act Notice.

Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. The Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 12.22 Reserved.

SECTION 12.23 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.

In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each of the Borrower and Holdings acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Agents and the Arrangers are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Agents and the Arrangers, on the other hand, (B) each of the Borrower and Holdings has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) each of the Borrower and Holdings is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Agents, the Arrangers and each Lender is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) none of the Agents, the Arrangers nor any

 

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Lender has any obligation to the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Agents, the Arrangers, the Lender and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, Holdings their respective Affiliates, and none of the Agents, the Arrangers nor any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Borrower and Holdings hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Agents, the Arrangers nor any Lender with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

SECTION 12.24 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 12.24, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the applicable Issuer or the Swing Loan Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.

SECTION 12.25 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent, each Issuer and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent, any Issuer or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuer or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.

SECTION 12.26 Lender Action. Each Lender agrees that it shall not take or institute any actions or proceedings, judicial or otherwise, for any right or remedy against any Loan Party under any of the Loan Documents or the Secured Hedge Agreements (including the exercise of any right of set-off, rights on account of any banker’s lien or similar claim or other rights of self-help), or institute any actions or proceedings, or otherwise commence any remedial procedures, with respect to any Collateral or any other property of any such Loan Party, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (which shall not be withheld in contravention of Section 11.4). The provision of this Section 12.26 are for the sole benefit of the Lenders and shall not afford any right to, or constitute a defense available to, any Loan Party.

 

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SECTION 12.27 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., with J. Crew Group, Inc. surviving such merger as the Borrower),
By:   /s/ Ronald Cami
  Name:   Ronald Cami
  Title:   Vice President and Secretary

CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC.,

as Holdings,

By:   /s/ James Scully
  Name:   James Scully
  Title:   Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


The undersigned hereby confirms that, as a result of its merger with Chinos Acquisition Corporation, it hereby assumes all of the rights and obligations of Chinos Acquisition Corporation under this Agreement (in furtherance of, and not in lieu of, any assumption or deemed assumption as a matter of law) and hereby is joined to this Agreement as the Borrower thereunder.
J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:   /s/ James Scully
  Name:   James Scully
  Title:   Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent,
By:   /s/ Mark D. Twomey
  Name:   Mark D. Twomey
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Swing Loan Lender, Issuer and a Lender,
By:   /s/ Mark D. Twomey
  Name:   Mark D. Twomey
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as

Co-Documentation Agent and a Lender,

By:   /s/ Brian Gingue
  Name:   Brian Gingue
  Title:   Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., as a Lender,
By:   /s/ William Getz
  Name:   William Getz
  Title:   Deputy General Manager

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Canada,

as a Lender,

By:   /s/ Ming Chang
  Name:   Ming Chang
  Title:   Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


TD Bank, N.A., as a Lender,
By:   /s/ Jeffrey Saperstein
  Name:   Jeffrey Saperstein
  Title:   Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender,
By:   /s/ Christopher Fudge
  Name:   Christopher Fudge
  Title:   Vice-President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as a Lender,

By:   /s/ Wai Yin Cheng
  Name:   Wai Yin Cheng
  Title:   Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


SunTrust Bank, as a Lender,
By:   /s/ Jamie Hurley
  Name:   Jamie Hurley
  Title:   Vice President

 

   [Signature Page]    J. Crew ABL Credit Agreement


Schedule I

Revolving Credit Commitments

 

Lender

   Revolving Loans  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 60,000,000  

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 40,000,000  

HSBC Bank USA, National Association

   $ 37,500,000  

SunTrust Bank

   $ 37,500,000  

TD Bank, N.A.

   $ 25,000,000  

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 25,000,000  

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Canada

   $ 15,000,000  

Mizuho Corporate Bank, LTD.

   $ 10,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 250,000,000  
  

 

 

 


Schedule II

Guarantors

J. Crew Operating Corp., a Delaware corporation

J. Crew Inc., a Delaware corporation

J. Crew International, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Grace Holmes, Inc., a Delaware corporation

H. F. D. No. 55, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Madewell Inc., a Delaware corporation

J. Crew Virginia, Inc., a Virginia corporation


Schedule 1.1A

Certain Security Interests and Guarantees

 

Obligation

  

Due Date

Mortgage:   

        

 

a.   Real Property described in Title Commitment Number 11-00016041, located at:

 

One Clifford Way

Arden, County of Buncombe, NC 28704

 

OR

 

One Clifford Way

Asheville, County of Buncombe, NC 28810

   90 days after the Effective Date
 

b.  J. Crew, Inc., One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24506

   90 days after the Effective Date
Security Agreement dated of the Effective Date by and among the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent.    On the Effective Date
Guaranty dated of the Effective Date by and among the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent.    On the Effective Date

Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Effective Date by and among Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative
Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Term Facility Administrative Agent

   On the Effective Date
Intellectual Property Security Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement).    On the Effective Date

 

1

precise address for this location could not be determined.


Schedule 1.1D

Mortgaged Properties

 

Entity of Record

  

Common Name and Address

Grace Holmes, Inc.   

Real Property described in Title Commitment Number 11-00016042, located at:

 

One Clifford Way

Arden, County of Buncombe, NC 28704

 

OR

 

One Clifford Way

Asheville, County of Buncombe, NC 28810

J. Crew Inc.   

One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg,

Virginia, 24506

 

2

precise address for this location could not be determined.


Schedule 1.1E

Credit Card Agreements

 

1.

Merchant Card Program Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2001, and Addendum to the Merchant Card Program Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2001, each by and between American Express Incentive Services, L.L.C., and J. Crew Group, Inc., as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified.

 

2.

Merchant Services Agreement, dated as of November 14, 1997, by and between Novus Services, Inc. and J. Crew Group, Inc., as amended by letter agreement dated June 12, 2009 by and between Discover Financial Services LLC and J. Crew Group, Inc., as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified.

 

3.

Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement, dated October 29, 2004, by and between World Financial Network National Bank and J. Crew Operating Corp., as subsequently amended by the Amendment to Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement, dated June 29, 2006, by and between World Financial Network National Bank and J. Crew Operating Corp., as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified.

 

4.

Select Merchant Payment Card Processing Agreement, dated on or about October 3, 2001, by and between Paymentech, LLC and J. Crew Inc., as subsequently amended by the Amendment to Select Merchant Payment Card Processing Agreement, dated April 26, 2007, by and between Paymentech, L.P. and Chase Alliance Partners, L.P. and J. Crew Group, Inc., J. Crew Inc., J. Crew Operating Corp. and Madewell Inc., as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified.


Schedule 1.1F

Existing Letters of Credit

See Attached Annex A.


J. Crew Group, Inc.

Existing Letters of Credit

As of February 17, 2011

 

    

Issuing Bank

  

Beneficiary

   L/C Number      LC Amount      Expiry Date  

1

   Wachovia    Liberty Mutual Insurance      SM224597        2,916,000        2/28/12  

2

   Wachovia    National Union Fire Insurance Co.      SM202997        1,365,125        12/22/11  
      Total         4,281,125     


Schedule 5.11(a)

ERISA Compliance

None.


Schedule 5.12

Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments

 

Current Legal Entities

Owned

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

  

Record Owner

   No. Shares/
Interest Owned
(Percentage
Owned)
    Total Shares
Outstanding
     Percent
Pledged
   

Stock

/Membership

Certificate No.

Chinos Acquisition
Corporation

   Delaware    Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc.      1,000  (100%)      1,000        0   1

J. Crew Group, Inc.

   Delaware    Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (after giving effect to the Transaction)      1,000  (100%)      1,000        100   1

J. Crew Operating Corp.

   Delaware    J. Crew Group, Inc.      100  (100%)      100        100   C1

J. Crew Inc.

   Delaware    J. Crew Operating Corp.      100  (100%)      100        100   2

Grace Holmes, Inc.

   Delaware    J. Crew Operating Corp.      10  (100%)      10        100   3

H.F.D. No. 55, Inc.

   Delaware    J. Crew Operating Corp.      10  (100%)      10        100   3

J. Crew Virginia, Inc.

   Virginia    J. Crew Operating Corp.      100  (100%)      100        100   1

Madewell Inc.

   Delaware    J. Crew Operating Corp.      10  (100%)      10        100   1

J. Crew International, Inc.

   Delaware    J. Crew Inc.      100  (100%)      100        100   3

C & W Outlet, Inc.

   New York    J. Crew Operating Corp.      100  (100%)      100        0   2

ERL, Inc.

   New Jersey    J. Crew, Inc.      100  (100%)      100        0   4

J. Crew Japan, Ltd

   Japan    J. Crew International, Inc.      60  (100%) 3      60        0   Not Certificated

J. Crew Canada Inc.

   Ontario, Canada    J. Crew Operating Corp.      100  (100%)      100        65  

C-2 (35 shares)

&

C-3 (65 shares)

 

3 

Pursuant to a separate agreement, the units of J.Crew Japan, Ltd., have been transferred to J. Crew International, Inc. but remain registered in the name of Sasaki Accounting Co, Ltd., a Japanese accounting firm and Yoshiki Abe of Abe & Matsutome, the Company’s Japanese law firm, in order to satisfy Japanese law requirements.


Schedule 8.12

Deposit Accounts

 

Account Holder

  

Bank

  

Account No.

  

Type of Account

J. Crew Group, Inc.

   Wachovia Bank, N.A. (as predecessor
in interest to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.)
  

XXXXXXXXX

XX

   Concentration


Schedule 9.1(b)

Existing Liens

 

Loan Party

  

File Type

  

Secured Party

Name

  

Jurisdiction

   Filing
Date
  

Filing Number

  

Collateral

J. Crew Group, Inc.    UCC    CCA Financial, LLC    Delaware    11/9/05    5347827 9    Equipment lease
J. Crew Group, Inc.    UCC    Tech Conveyor, Inc.    Delaware    11/26/07    2007 4454038    Equipment lease
J. Crew Group, Inc.    UCC    Key Equipment Finance Inc.    Delaware    9/17/08    2008 3145271    Equipment lease
J. Crew Group, Inc.    UCC    Tygris Vendor Finance, Inc.    Delaware    4/20/09    2009 1245940    Equipment lease
J. Crew Group, Inc.    UCC    Tygris Vendor Finance, Inc.    Delaware    10/30/09    2009 3491104    Equipment lease
J. Crew Operating Corp.    UCC    Tech Conveyor, Inc.    Delaware    11/26/07    2007 4454038    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    NCR Corporation    Delaware    5/31/07    2007 2038734    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    Ikon Financial Svcs    Delaware    9/5/07    2007 3362927    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    Tech Conveyor, Inc.    Delaware    11/26/07    2007 4454038    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    Ikon Financial Svcs    Delaware    8/28/08    2008 2927232    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    Ikon Financial Svcs    Delaware    8/28/08    2008 2927240    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    Ikon Financial Svcs    Delaware    9/13/08    2008 3106265    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    IOS Capital    New Jersey    2/23/05    22839817    Equipment lease
J. Crew Inc.    UCC    Tech Conveyor, Inc.    New Jersey    11/26/07    24463164    Equipment lease


Schedule 9.2(f)

Existing Investments

Investments listed on Schedule 5.12.

Investment Accounts:

 

Account Holder

  

Broker

  

Account No.

  

Type of Investment

J. Crew Operating Corp.    Wells Fargo    XXXXXXXX    Securities Account
J. Crew Group, Inc.    Citibank    XXX-XXXXX-XX XX    Securities Account
J. Crew Operating Corp.    Bank of America    XXXXXXXX    Securities Account
J. Crew Group, Inc.    JP Morgan Chase    XXX-XXXXXXX    Securities Account


Schedule 9.3(b)

Existing Indebtedness

 

1.

Demand Documentary Credit Facilities, dated October 31, 2007 (as amended on July 8, 2008, on July 13, 2009 and on July 5, 2010), between J. Crew Operating Corp. and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Hong Kong SAR.

 

2.

Liabilities not exceeding $209,017,935.004 to former shareholders of the Borrower in respect of the exercise of appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.

 

4

Amount reflects $43.50 multiplied by the number of shares held by such shareholders.


Schedule 9.8

Transactions with Affiliates

 

1.

Trademark License Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2005, by and among the Company, Millard S. Drexler and Millard S. Drexler, Inc.

 

2.

Arrangement pursuant to which the Company charters the use of Millard S. Drexler’s private aircraft from time to time for certain costs.

 

3.

Management Stockholders Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, by and among Chinos Holdings, Inc., Chinos Acquisition Corporation, the Sponsors, Millard S. Drexler and related trusts party thereto and certain members of management party thereto.

 

4.

Principal Investors Stockholders Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, by and among Chinos Holdings, Inc., Chinos Acquisition Corporation, the Sponsors, Millard S. Drexler and related trusts party thereto and the other stockholders party thereto.

 

5.

Certain legal expenses of Millard S. Drexler incurred in connection with work directly related to the Company’s business are reimbursed by the Company.

 

6.

Employment Agreement of Millard S. Drexler by and among Chinos Holdings, Inc., J. Crew Operating Corp. and Millard S. Drexler.


Schedule 9.9

Burdensome Agreements

None.


Schedule 12.8

Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices

HOLDINGS OR THE BORROWER:

J. Crew Group, Inc.

770 Broadway

New York, NY 10003

Attention: XXXXXXXX

Telephone: XXXXXXXX

Telecopier: XXXXXXXX

Website for posting documents: www.jcrew.com

With a copy to:

Ropes & Gray, LLP

1211 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Attention: XXXXXXXX

Telephone: XXXXXXXX

Telecopier: XXXXXXXX

Email: XXXXXXXX

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

Bank of America

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Attention: XXXXXXXX

Telephone: XXXXXXXX

Telecopier: XXXXXXXX

Email: XXXXXXXX

L/C ISSUER:

Bank of America

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Attention: XXXXXXXX

Telephone: XXXXXXXX

Telecopier: XXXXXXXX

Email: XXXXXXXX

SWING LOAN LENDER:

Bank of America

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Attention: XXXXXXXX

Telephone: XXXXXXXX

Telecopier: XXXXXXXX

Email: XXXXXXXX


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each]1 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “Assignor”) and [the][each]2 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “Assignee”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees]3 hereunder are several and not joint.]4 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including, without limitation, the Letters of Credit and the Swing Loans included in such facilities5) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “Assigned Interest”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.

2

For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

3

Select as appropriate.

4

Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.

5

Include all applicable subfacilities.

 

   A-1    Form of Assignment and Assumption


1.

Assignor[s]:                         

 

2.

Assignee[s]:                         

 

                                     

[for each Assignee identify Lender ]

 

3.

Borrower: J. Crew Group, Inc.

 

4.

Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., including any successor thereto, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

5.

Credit Agreement: The Credit Agreement, dated as of March [__], 2011, among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders and Issuers from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.

 

6.

Assigned Interest:

 

Assignor[s]6

   Assignee[s]7      Facility
Assigned8
     Aggregate
Amount of
Revolving Credit
Commitment/Loans
for all Lenders9
     Amount of
Revolving
Credit
Commitment/Loans
Assigned
     Percentage
Assigned of
Revolving Credit
Commitment/
Loans10
    CUSIP
Number
 
         $        $           
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
         $        $           
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
         $        $           
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

6

List each Assignor, as appropriate.

7

List each Assignee, as appropriate.

8

Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Assignment and Assumption (e.g., “Revolving Credit Commitments,” “Extended Revolving Credit Agreements,” etc.).

9

Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

10

Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Revolving Credit Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

 

   A-2    Form of Assignment and Assumption


[7.

Trade Date:             ]11

Effective Date:                 , 20      [TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

11

To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 

 

   A-3    Form of Assignment and Assumption


The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

ASSIGNEE

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[Consented to and]12 Accepted:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

[Consented to:

[                  ]

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:     ]13

 

12

To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

13

To be added only if the consent of the Borrower and/or other parties (e.g. Swing Loan Lender, Issuer) is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

 

   A-4    Form of Assignment and Assumption


ANNEX 1

TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

Credit Agreement, dated as of March [      ], 2011, among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc. (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (“Holdings”), the Lenders and Issuers from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1. Assignor. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 12.2(b)(iii) and (v) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 12.2(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date referred to in this Assignment and Assumption, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) and (b) thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment

 

   A-5    Form of Assignment and Assumption


and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest and (vii) attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, including but not limited to any documentation required pursuant to Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

   A-6    Form of Assignment and Assumption


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$             .00                     , 20    

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Borrower”, together with all successors and assigns), promises to pay                  (hereinafter, together with its successors in title and assigns, the “Lender”), the principal sum of                  DOLLARS ($                 .00), or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal balance of Revolving Loans made by the Lender to or for the account of the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement (as hereafter defined) and amounts advanced by the Lender in respect of any Letter of Credit, with interest, fees, expenses and costs at the rate and payable in the manner stated in the Credit Agreement. As used herein, the “Credit Agreement” means and refers to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as such may be amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) by and among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent under the Loan Documents, and each Lender and Issuer from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

This is a “Revolving Credit Note” to which reference is made in the Credit Agreement and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. This Revolving Credit Note is also entitled to the benefits of the Guaranty and is secured by the Collateral. The principal of, and interest on, this Revolving Credit Note shall be payable at the times, in the manner, and in the amounts as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall be subject to prepayment and acceleration as provided therein. The Administrative Agent’s books and records concerning the Revolving Credit Loans and amounts owing in respect of Letters of Credit, the accrual of interest and fees thereon, and the repayment of such Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit, shall be prima facie evidence of the indebtedness to the Lender hereunder, absent manifest error.

No delay or omission by the Administrative Agent or the Lender in exercising or enforcing any of the Administrative Agents’ or Lender’s powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No waiver of any Event of Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Event of Default, nor as a continuing waiver.

 

 

B-1


The Borrower waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on the part of the holder hereof. The Borrower assents to any extension or other indulgence (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral) permitted by the Administrative Agent and/or the Lender with respect to this Revolving Credit Note and/or any Collateral Document or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of the Borrower or any other Person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note.

This Revolving Credit Note shall be binding upon the Borrower and upon their respective successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors, endorsees and assigns.

The Borrower agrees that any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Revolving Credit Note or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, may be brought in the courts of the state of New York sitting in New York City in the Borough of Manhattan or of the United States for the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and by execution and delivery of this Revolving Credit Note, the Borrower and the Lender each consent, for itself and in respect of its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower irrevocably waives any objection, including any objection to the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum non conveniens, which it may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any action or proceeding in the courts of the state of New York sitting in New York City in the Borough of Manhattan or of the United States for the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof.

THIS REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

The Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Administrative Agent and the Lender, in the establishment and maintenance of their respective relationship with the Borrower contemplated by this Revolving Credit Note, are each relying thereon. THE BORROWER, AND THE LENDER BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Revolving Credit Note to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.

 

 

B-2


J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  


LOANS AND PAYMENTS

 

Date

  

Amount of
Loan

  

Maturity

Date

  

Payments of

Principal/Interest

  

Principal

Balance of

Note

  

Name of

Person

Making this

Notation


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

                 ,                 

Bank of America, N.A.,

  as Administrative Agent under the

  Credit Agreement referred to below

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 434-9136

Attention: Mark D. Twomey

 

  Re:

J. C REW

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as the same may be amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent under the Loan Documents, and each Lender and Issuer from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement and, in connection therewith, sets forth below the information relating to the Borrowing (the “Proposed Borrowing”) as required by Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement:

(a) The date of the Proposed Borrowing is                      ,                  (the “Funding Date”).

(b) The aggregate amount of the Borrowing is [$] [€] [CAD]                 .

(c) [$] [€] [CAD]                  of the Borrowing shall be of [Base Rate Loans] [Canadian Prime Rate Loans] [Eurocurrency Rate Loans] and/or [BA Rate Loans].

(d) For Eurocurrency Rate Loan or BA Rate Loan: with an Interest Period of                  months (such Interest Period to comply with the provisions of the definition of “Interest Period”).

(e) The Class of the Borrowing shall be                 .

(f) The Borrowing shall be denominated in [Dollars] [Canadian Dollars] [Euros].

 

 

C-1


(g) [Borrower represents and warrants that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) are Solvent after giving effect to such Borrowing and the use proceeds thereof.]1

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(b) of the Credit Agreement shall be satisfied on the Funding Date both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the Proposed Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

1   For any Borrowing the proceeds of which shall be used to fund a Restricted Payment subject to the satisfaction of the RP Conditions.

 

 

C-2


J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO NOTICE OF BORROWING]


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF SWING LOAN REQUEST

                 ,                 

Bank of America, N.A.,

  as Administrative Agent under the

  Credit Agreement referred to below

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 434-9136

Attention:     Mark D. Twomey

 

  Re:

J. C REW

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as the same may be amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent under the Loan Documents, and each Lender and Issuer from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests that the Swing Loan Lender make Swing Loans available to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and, in that connection therewith, sets forth below the information relating to such Swing Loans (the “Proposed Advance”) as required by Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement:

(a) The date of the Proposed Advance                      ,                  (the “Funding Date”).

(b) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Advance is $                 .

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(b) of the Credit Agreement shall be satisfied on the Funding Date both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the Proposed Advance and to the application of the proceeds therefrom.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

D-1


J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SWING LOAN REQUEST]


EXHIBIT E

FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST

                 ,                 

[Name of Issuer], as an Issuer

  under the Credit Agreement referred

  to below

Bank of America, N.A.,

  as Administrative Agent under the

  Credit Agreement referred to below

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 434-9136

Attention:     Mark D. Twomey

 

  Re:

J. C REW

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as the same may be amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent under the Loan Documents, and each lender from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned requests the issuance of a Letter of Credit by [Name of Issuer] in the form of a [standby] [documentary] letter of credit [for its own account] [for the account of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower] [for the benefit of [Name of Beneficiary]], in the amount of [$] [€] [CAD][                  ] to be issued on                      ,                  (the “Issue Date”) and having an expiration date of                      ,                 .

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the conditions set forth in Section 4.2(b) of the Credit Agreement shall be satisfied on the Issue Date both immediately before and immediately after the proposed issuance.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

 

E-1


J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST]


EXHIBIT F

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION OR CONTINUATION

                 ,                 

Bank of America, N.A.,

  as Administrative Agent under the

  Credit Agreement referred to below

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 434-9136

Attention:     Mark D. Twomey

 

  Re:

J. C REW

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, including any successor thereto, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent under the Loan Documents, and each Lender and Issuer from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a [conversion on                      ,                  ] [continuation] of [$] [€] [CAD]                  in principal amount of presently outstanding Revolving Loans that are [Base Rate Loans] [Canadian Prime Rate Loans] [Eurocurrency Rate Loan] [BA Rate Loans] having an Interest Period ending on                      ,                  [to] [as] [Base Rate] [Canadian Prime Rate] [Eurocurrency Rate] [BA Rate Loans] Loans. The Interest Period for such amount requested to be converted to or continued as [Eurocurrency Rate Loans] [BA Rate Loans] is                  month[s]).

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

F-1


In connection herewith, the undersigned has executed this notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

 

F-2


EXHIBIT G

FORM OF LEGAL OPINION OF ROPES & GRAY LLP

[To be provided under separate cover]

 

 

   G-1    Form of Opinion


Exhibit G

March 7, 2011

To the Agent and each Lender party to

the Credit Agreement referred to below

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is being furnished to you pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger and succeeding to the rights and obligations of Merger Sub as the Borrower (as defined therein) under the Credit Agreement), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacities, the “Agent”), HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Suntrust Bank and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other agents named therein, in connection with the closing held this day under the Credit Agreement. We have attended today the closing under the Credit Agreement and the closing of the Merger. Our opinions set forth herein with respect to Merger Sub are made prior to the consummation of the Merger and our opinions set forth herein with respect to the Loan Parties (as defined below) (other than Merger Sub) are made immediately following the consummation of the Merger. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

We have acted as counsel to the Loan Parties (as defined below) in connection with the Credit Documents (as defined below) being executed and delivered on the date hereof. The Subsidiaries of the Company listed on Schedule 1 hereto are referred to herein as the “Delaware Guarantors” and the Subsidiary of the Company listed on Schedule 2 hereto is referred to herein as the “Other Guarantor.” Holdings and the Delaware Guarantors are referred to herein as the “Covered Guarantors.” Merger Sub, the Company, the Covered Guarantors and the Other Guarantor are referred to herein collectively as the “Loan Parties.”

In connection with this opinion, we have examined the following documents:

 

  (a)

the Credit Agreement;

 

  (b)

the Revolving Credit Notes being delivered on the date hereof;

 

  (c)

the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the ABL Agent (as defined therein) and the Term Agent (as defined therein) and acknowledged by the Loan Parties;


The Agent, et al.    - 2 -   

 

  (d)

the Guaranty, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Holdings, the other Guarantors (as defined therein) and the Agent (the “Guaranty”);

 

  (e)

the Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Merger Sub, the Company, Holdings, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein) and Agent (the “Security Agreement”);

 

  (f)

the Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by J. Crew International, Inc. in favor of the Agent;

 

  (g)

the Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by Madewell Inc. in favor of the Agent;

 

  (h)

the Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by J. Crew Inc. in favor of the Agent;

 

  (i)

the Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by J. Crew International, Inc. in favor of the Agent;

 

  (j)

the Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by Madewell Inc. in favor of the Agent;

 

  (k)

the Deposit Account Control Agreement listed on Schedule 6 hereto (the “Deposit Account Control Agreement”); and

 

  (l)

each Securities Account Control Agreement listed on Schedule 7 hereto (collectively, the “Securities Account Control Agreements”).

The agreements referred to in clauses (a) through (l) above are referred to herein collectively as the “Credit Documents”. The agreements referred to in clauses (e) through (l) above are referred to herein collectively as the “Collateral Documents”. The agreements referred to in clauses (k) and (l) above are referred to herein collectively as the “Control Agreements”.

We have examined such certificates, documents and records and have made such investigation of fact and such examination of law as we have deemed appropriate in order to enable us to render the opinions set forth herein. In conducting such investigation, we have relied, without independent verification, upon certificates of officers of the Loan Parties and one or more of their Subsidiaries, public officials and other appropriate Persons, and on the covenants as to the application of proceeds contained in the Credit Documents.


The Agent, et al.    - 3 -   

 

In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have assumed that the Other Guarantor (a) is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (b) has the power to execute and deliver each of the Credit Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder and (c) has duly authorized, executed and delivered each of the Credit Documents to which it is a party.

The opinions expressed herein are limited to matters governed by the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and the federal laws of the United States of America (collectively, the “Covered Laws”), and in the case of paragraph 10 below, Article 9 of the Delaware Uniform Commercial Code (“Delaware Article 9”).

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject to the additional qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

1. Each of Merger Sub, the Company and the Covered Guarantors (a) is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and (b) has the corporate power to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each of the Credit Documents to which it is a party.

2. Each of Merger Sub, the Company and the Covered Guarantors has duly authorized, executed and delivered each of the Credit Documents to which it is a party.

3. Each of the Credit Documents constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of the Loan Parties party thereto and is enforceable against each such Loan Party in accordance with its terms.

4. The execution and delivery by each of Merger Sub, the Company and the Covered Guarantors of the Credit Documents to which such Person is a party and the performance by such Person of its obligations thereunder will not violate or require the repurchase of securities under the charter or by-laws of such Person. The execution and delivery by each Loan Party of the Credit Documents to which such Person is party and the performance by such Person of its obligations thereunder (a) will not violate any Covered Laws and (b) will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any of the agreements, instruments, court orders, judgments or decrees listed on Schedule 3 hereto.

5. Except as may be required in order to perfect the Liens contemplated by the Collateral Documents and the Mortgages, under the Covered Laws, no consent, approval, license or exemption by, or order or authorization of, or filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority is required to be obtained by any of the Loan Parties in connection with the execution and delivery of the Credit Documents to which such Person is party or the performance by such Person of its obligations thereunder.

6. We are not representing any of the Loan Parties in any pending litigation in which it is a named defendant that challenges the validity or enforceability of, or seeks to enjoin the performance of, the Credit Documents.


The Agent, et al.    - 4 -   

 

7. None of the Loan Parties is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

8. Neither the making of the loans under the Credit Agreement, nor the application of the proceeds thereof on the date hereof as provided in the Credit Agreement, will violate Regulations T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

9. The Security Agreement creates a valid security interest in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the Collateral described therein to the extent that a security interest in such Collateral can be created under Article 9 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code (“New York Article 9”).

10. Upon the proper filing of the financing statements attached as Schedule 4 in the office of the Secretary of State of Delaware (the “Delaware Filing Office”), the security interests in the Collateral granted under the Security Agreement by each of the Loan Parties organized in the State of Delaware will be perfected to the extent a security interest in such Collateral can be perfected under Delaware Article 9 by the filing of a financing statement in the Delaware Filing Office.

11. Assuming the delivery to and continued possession by the Term Facility Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement, in the State of New York of the certificates representing the Pledged Equity listed on Schedule 5 and the related stock powers and assuming that none of the Agent, the Term Facility Administrative Agent nor the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) have “notice of an adverse claim” (as defined in Section 8-105 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) with respect to such Pledged Equity at the time such Pledged Equity is delivered to the Term Facility Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, and except for the security interests in such Pledged Equity created in favor of the Term Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), the respective security interests in such Pledged Equity created in favor of the Term Facility Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Agreement constitute perfected security interests in such Pledged Equity, free of any adverse claim (within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code).

12. Assuming that (i) the Deposit Account Control Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Agent and each bank party thereto, (ii) each such bank is a “bank” (as defined in Section 9-102(8) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) and (iii) each Collateral Account (as defined in the Deposit Account Control Agreement) is a “deposit account” (as defined in Section 9-102(29) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code), the security interest in each such Collateral Account granted in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Agreement constitutes a perfected security interest.


The Agent, et al.    - 5 -   

 

13. Assuming that (i) each Securities Account Control Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Agent and the securities intermediary party thereto, (ii) in respect of such Securities Account Control Agreement, the securities intermediary party thereto is a “securities intermediary” (as defined in Section 8-102(14) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) and (iii) in respect of such Securities Account Control Agreement, the Collateral Account or Securities Account (as applicable, and in each case as defined in the applicable Securities Account Control Agreement) is a “securities account” (as defined in Section 8-501 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code), the security interest in each such Collateral Account or Securities Account granted in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Agreement constitutes a perfected security interest.

Our opinion that each of the Credit Documents constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of the Loan Parties party thereto, enforceable against each such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, is subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties and (ii) general principles of equity. Our opinions set forth herein are also subject to the effects of the possible judicial application of foreign laws or foreign governmental or judicial action affecting creditors’ rights.

We express no opinion with respect to the applicability of Section 548 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provision of state law or the enforceability of the provisions contained in Section 2.03(a) of the Guaranty which purport to limit the obligations of any Guarantor thereunder or the effect of the unenforceability of such provisions on the enforceability of the Guaranty.

The opinions expressed herein are subject to the qualification that the enforceability of provisions in the Credit Documents providing for indemnification or contribution may be limited by public policy considerations. In addition, we express no opinion as to (i) the extent to which broadly worded waivers, waivers of rights to damages, offset or defenses, waivers of statutory, regulatory or constitutional rights, conclusive presumptions or determinations or powers of attorney may be enforced or (ii) the enforceability of any provision which provides for a right of setoff without notice or by an affiliate of a lender or a purchaser of a participation in the loans or other extensions of credit under the Credit Documents or which is determined to constitute a penalty or forfeiture, which provides for an agreement that any claim will be brought only in the courts of a particular jurisdiction or which provides for judgment currency. In connection with the provisions of the Credit Documents whereby the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York, we note the limitations of 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1332 on subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts.


The Agent, et al.    - 6 -   

 

In addition, certain provisions contained in the Collateral Documents may be unenforceable in whole or in part but the inclusion of such provisions in the Collateral Documents does not affect the validity of any of the other provisions thereof, and the remaining provisions of the Collateral Documents are sufficient for the practical realization of the benefits intended to be provided thereby.

We express no opinion as to the existence of, or as to the title of any Person who has granted a security interest in any Collateral to, any item of Collateral or (except to the extent set forth in paragraph 11 above) as to the priority or (except to the extent set forth in paragraphs 10 through 13 above) the perfection of any security interest in the Collateral or which law governs the perfection or priority of a security interest. We express no opinion with respect to (a) security interests in any commercial tort claims or (b) the extent to which the grant (or purported grant) of a security interest in any asset subject to a legal or contractual restriction on the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in such asset is effective or violates any agreement to which any Loan Party is a party, except to the extent such restriction is rendered ineffective by Section 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of New York Article 9. We express no opinion as to any Account Agreement, Account Documentation or account agreement (in each case, (x) other than the Control Agreements and (y) as defined or used in the applicable Control Agreement).

We call your attention to the fact that your security interest in certain Collateral described in the Security Agreement may not be able to be perfected by the filing of financing statements and that under certain circumstances, the filings referred to in paragraph 10 may become ineffective as a result of changes occurring after the date hereof and will terminate after five years after the original filing date unless appropriate continuation statements are duly filed. In addition, Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code limits the extent to which property acquired by a debtor after the commencement of a case under the Bankruptcy Code may be subject to a lien resulting from any security agreement entered into by the debtor before the commencement of the case.

This opinion is being furnished only to the addressees and is solely for their benefit and the benefit of their assignees who become Lenders under the Credit Agreement. This opinion may not be relied upon for any other purpose or by any other Person without our prior written consent.

 

Very truly yours,
Ropes & Gray LLP


Schedule 1

Delaware Guarantors

 

1.  J. Crew Operating Corp.

2.  J. Crew Inc.

3.  J. Crew International, Inc.

4.  Grace Holmes, Inc.

5.  H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.

6.  Madewell Inc.


Schedule 2

Other Guarantor

 

1.  J. Crew Virginia, Inc.


Schedule 3

Material Agreements

 

1.

Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Closing Date (as defined therein) shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger and succeeding to the rights and obligations of Merger Sub as the Borrower (as defined therein) under the Credit Agreement), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the other agents named therein.

 

2.

Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2011 among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 7, 2011 among the trustee, J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto.


Schedule 4

Delaware Financing Statements

(see attached)


Schedule 5

Pledged Equity

 

Issuer

   Certificate No.     

Registered

Owner

   Number of
Shares/Units
    

Class of
Interests

J. Crew Group, Inc.

(after giving effect to

the Transaction)

     1     

Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc.

     1,000      Common shares

J. Crew Operating Corp.

     C1     

J. Crew Group, Inc.

     100      Common shares

J. Crew Inc.

     2     

J. Crew Operating Corp.

     100      Common shares

Grace Holmes, Inc.

     3     

J. Crew Operating Corp.

     10      Common shares

H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.

     3     

J. Crew Operating Corp.

     10      Common shares

J. Crew Virginia, Inc.

     1     

J. Crew Operating Corp.

     100      Common shares

Madewell Inc.

     1     

J. Crew Operating Corp.

     10      Common shares

J. Crew International, Inc.

     3     

J. Crew Inc.

     100      Common shares


Schedule 6

Deposit Account Control Agreement

 

1.  Deposit Account Control Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, entered into by and among J. Crew Group, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Agent (as defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Second Lien Agent (as defined therein) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.


Schedule 7

Securities Account Control Agreements

 

1.  Securities Account Control – Consent Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Collateral Agent (as defined therein) and Bank of America, N.A., as Second Lien Collateral Agent (as defined therein).

2.  Collateral Account Control Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011, by and among J. Crew Operating Corp., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Pledgee (as defined therein) and Bank of America, N.A., as Second Lien Pledgee (as defined therein).


EXHIBIT H

FORM OF GUARANTY

[To be provided under separate cover]

 

H-1    Form of Guaranty


Exhibit H

 

 

FORM OF GUARANTY

dated as of

[            ] [    ], 20[    ]

among

CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC.,

as Holdings,

THE OTHER GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME,

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent

 

 

Form of J. Crew Guaranty (ABL)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I Definitions

     1  

Section 1.01

   ABL Credit Agreement Definitions      1  

Section 1.02

   Other Defined Terms      2  

ARTICLE II Guarantee

     2  

Section 2.01

   Guarantee      2  

Section 2.02

   Guarantee of Payment      3  

Section 2.03

   No Limitations      3  

Section 2.04

   Reinstatement      5  

Section 2.05

   Agreement To Pay; Subrogation      5  

Section 2.06

   Information      5  

ARTICLE III Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

     5  

ARTICLE IV Miscellaneous

     6  

Section 4.01

   Notices      6  

Section 4.02

   Waivers; Amendment      6  

Section 4.03

   Administrative Agent’s and Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification      7  

Section 4.04

   Successors and Assigns      8  

Section 4.05

   Survival of Agreement      8  

Section 4.06

   Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement      9  

Section 4.07

   Severability      9  

Section 4.08

   GOVERNING LAW, ETC.      9  

Section 4.09

   WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY      10  

Section 4.10

   Headings      10  

Section 4.11

   Obligations Absolute      11  

Section 4.12

   Termination or Release      11  

Section 4.13

   Additional Restricted Subsidiaries      12  

Section 4.14

   Recourse; Limited Obligations      12  

Section 4.15

   Intercreditor Agreement      12  

 

Form of J. Crew Guaranty (ABL)


SCHEDULES
Schedule I    Guarantors
EXHIBITS
Exhibit I    Form of Guaranty Supplement

 

Form of J. Crew Guaranty (ABL)


This GUARANTY, dated as of [    ] [    ], 20[     ], is among CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), and the other Guarantors set forth on Schedule I hereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties (as defined below).

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ABL Credit Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the borrower under the ABL Credit Agreement referred to below (the “Borrower”)), Holdings, the Lenders and Issuers party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Lenders.

The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement, and the Issuers have agreed to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower on the terms and conditions set forth therein. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit, and the obligation of the Issuers to issue Letters of Credit, are, in each case, conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each Guarantor (as defined below). The Guarantors are affiliates of one another, will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from (i) the extensions of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement and (ii) the issuance of Letters of Credit by the Issuers for the account of the Borrower and, in accordance with the ABL Credit Agreement, the Restricted Subsidiaries, and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit and the Issuers to issue such Letters of Credit. The Intercreditor Agreement governs the relative rights and priorities of the Term Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) and the ABL Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) in respect of the Term Priority Collateral and the ABL Priority Collateral (and with respect to certain other matters as described therein). Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

Section 1.01 ABL Credit Agreement Definitions.

(a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement, including the preamble and introductory paragraphs hereto, and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the ABL Credit Agreement.

(b) The rules of construction specified in Article I of the ABL Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

 

   1    Form of J. Crew Guaranty (ABL)


Section 1.02 Other Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABL Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Accommodation Payment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article III.

Agreement” means this Guaranty.

Allocable Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article III.

Guaranteed Obligations” mean the “Obligations” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Guarantors” means, collectively, Holdings, each other Guarantor listed on Schedule I hereto and any other Person that becomes a party to this Agreement after the Effective Date pursuant to Section 4.13; provided that if any such Guarantor is released from its obligations hereunder as provided in Section 4.12(b), such Person shall cease to be a Guarantor hereunder effective upon such release.

Guaranty Supplement” means an instrument substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto.

Secured Parties” has the meaning provided in the ABL Credit Agreement.

UFCA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article III.

UFTA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article III.

ARTICLE II

Guarantee

Section 2.01 Guarantee.

Each Guarantor irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, in each case, whether such Guaranteed Obligations are now existing or hereafter incurred under, arising out of or in connection with any Loan Document, Secured Hedge Agreements or Cash Management Services, and whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended, increased or renewed, amended or modified, in whole or in part, without notice to, or further assent from, such Guarantor and that such Guarantor will remain bound upon its guarantee hereunder notwithstanding any such extension, increase, renewal, amendment or modification of any Guaranteed Obligation. Each of the Guarantors waives promptness, presentment to, demand of payment from, and protest to, any Guarantor or any other Loan Party of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment.

 

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Section 2.02 Guarantee of Payment.

Each of the Guarantors further agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether or not any bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall have stayed the accrual of collection of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or operated as a discharge thereof) and not of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to any security held for the payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in favor of any other Guarantor or any other Person. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are independent of the obligations of any other Guarantor or the Borrower, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against each Guarantor whether or not action is brought against any other Guarantor or the Borrower and whether or not any other Guarantor or the Borrower be joined in any such action or actions. Any payment required to be made by a Guarantor hereunder may be required by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party on any number of occasions.

Section 2.03 No Limitations.

(a) Except for termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder as expressly provided in Section 4.12, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, any impossibility in the performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law and except for termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 4.12 (but without prejudice to Section 2.04), the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be discharged, impaired or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, any other Secured Party or any other Person to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise; (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, any Loan Document or any other agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor under this Agreement; (iii) the release of, or any impairment of any security held by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party for the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations; (v) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any of the Collateral held by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party; (vi) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Loan Party, the lack of legal existence of the Borrower or any other Guarantor or legal obligation to discharge any of the Guaranteed Obligations by the Borrower or any other Guarantor for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, in any insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Loan Party; (vii) the existence of any claim, set-off or other rights that any Guarantor may have at any time against the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any other Secured Party or any other Person, whether in connection with the ABL Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any unrelated transaction; (viii) this Agreement having

 

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been determined (on whatsoever grounds) to be invalid, non-binding or unenforceable against any other Guarantor ab initio or at any time after the Effective Date or (ix) any other circumstance (including statute of limitations), any act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a defense to, or discharge of, the Borrower, any Guarantor or any other guarantor or surety as a matter of law or equity (in each case, other than the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made). Each Guarantor expressly authorizes the applicable Secured Parties, to the extent permitted by the Security Agreement, to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other guarantors or obligors upon or in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations all without affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each Guarantor under this Agreement shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations under this Agreement subject to avoidance as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or any comparable provisions of any similar federal or state law.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law and except for termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 4.12 (but without prejudice to Section 2.04), each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any other Guarantor or the unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower or any other Guarantor, other than the payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made). The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties may in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Documents, at their election, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with the Borrower or any other Guarantor or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against any Guarantor, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash (excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable Law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Guarantor, as the case may be, or any security. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Loan Party waives any and all suretyship defenses.

 

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Section 2.04 Reinstatement.

Notwithstanding anything to contrary contained in this Agreement, each of the Guarantors agrees that (a) its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party upon the bankruptcy or reorganization (or any analogous proceeding in any jurisdiction) of the Borrower or any other Guarantor or otherwise and (b) the provisions of this Section 2.04 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Section 2.05 Agreement To Pay; Subrogation.

In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Borrower or any other Guarantor to pay any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the applicable Secured Parties in cash the amount of such unpaid Guaranteed Obligation. Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Administrative Agent as provided above, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Guarantor arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subject to Article III.

Section 2.06 Information.

Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s and each other Guarantor’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties will have any duty to advise such Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.

ARTICLE III

Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

Upon payment by any Guarantor of any Guaranteed Obligations, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Guarantor arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made) and the termination of all Revolving Credit Commitments to any Loan Party under any Loan Document. If any amount shall erroneously be paid to the Borrower or any other Guarantor on account of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Guarantor, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Administrative Agent to be credited against the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or

 

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unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the ABL Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Subject to the foregoing, to the extent that any Guarantor shall, under this Agreement or the ABL Credit Agreement as a joint and several obligor, repay any of the Guaranteed Obligations constituting Loans made to another Loan Party under the ABL Credit Agreement (an “Accommodation Payment”), then the Guarantor making such Accommodation Payment shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each of the other Guarantors in an amount equal to a fraction of such Accommodation Payment, the numerator of which fraction is such other Guarantor’s Allocable Amount and the denominator of which is the sum of the Allocable Amounts of all of the Guarantors; provided that such rights of contribution and indemnification shall be subordinated to the prior payment in full, in cash, of all of the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding contingent obligations as to which no claim has been made). As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of each Guarantor shall be equal to the maximum amount of liability for Accommodation Payments which could be asserted against such Guarantor hereunder and under the ABL Credit Agreement without (a) rendering such Guarantor “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101 (31) of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“UFTA”) or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (“UFCA”), (b) leaving such Guarantor with unreasonably small capital or assets, within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA, or (c) leaving such Guarantor unable to pay its debts as they become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA.

ARTICLE IV

Miscellaneous

Section 4.01 Notices.

All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 12.8 of the ABL Credit Agreement. All communications and notice hereunder to a Guarantor other than Holdings shall be given in care of the Borrower.

Section 4.02 Waivers; Amendment.

(a) No failure by any Secured Party to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 4.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Revolving Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default or Event of Default, regardless of whether any Loan Party may have had notice or knowledge of such Default or Event of Default at the time.

 

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(b) Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 12.1 of the ABL Credit Agreement.

Section 4.03 Administrative Agent’s and Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification.

(a) Each Guarantor, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent for its fees and expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 12.3 of the ABL Credit Agreement; provided that each reference therein to the “Borrower” shall be deemed to be a reference to “each Guarantor”.

(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, each Guarantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 12.4 of the ABL Credit Agreement) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (but limited, in the case of legal fees and expenses, to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to all Indemnitees taken as a whole and, if reasonably necessary, a single local counsel for all Indemnitees taken as a whole in each relevant jurisdiction that is material to the interest of the Lenders, and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of affected Indemnitees similarly situated taken as a whole) (i) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of this Agreement or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by any Guarantor, or any Environmental Liability arising out of the activities or operations of any Guarantor, or, (iii) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto and, in each case, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements (i) resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any Related Indemnified Person of such Indemnitee, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of

 

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competent jurisdiction, (ii) are relating to disputes amongst Indemnitees other than (1) any claim against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent and (2) any claim arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, and (iii) related to Taxes or amounts excluded from the definition of Taxes in the Term Loan Credit Agreement pursuant to clauses (i) through (vii) of the first sentence of Section 3.1(a) of the ABL Credit Agreement that are imposed with respect to payments to or for the account of any Agent or any Secured Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, which shall be governed by Section 3.1 of the ABL Credit Agreement, or (iv) related to Other Taxes or to taxes covered by Section 3.4 of the ABL Credit Agreement. No Indemnitee nor any Guarantor shall have any liability and each party hereby waives, any claim against any other party to this Agreement or any Indemnitee, for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Effective Date) (other than, in the case of any Guarantor, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party).

(c) Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby and secured by the Collateral Documents. The provisions of this Section 4.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Secured Hedge Agreement or any Cash Management Services agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any resignation of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any document governing any of the Obligations arising under any Secured Hedge Agreements or any Cash Management Obligations, or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section 4.03 shall be payable within twenty (20) Business Days of written demand therefor.

Section 4.04 Successors and Assigns.

Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Guarantor or any Secured Party that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective permitted successors and assigns. Except as provided in Section 12.2 of the ABL Credit Agreement, no Guarantor may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the written consent of the Administrative Agent.

Section 4.05 Survival of Agreement.

All covenants, agreements, indemnities, representations and warranties made by the Guarantors in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Secured Parties and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and the issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any Secured Party or on its behalf and notwithstanding

 

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that any Secured Party may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended under the ABL Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and shall continue in full force and effect until this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 4.12 hereof, or with respect to any individual Guarantor until such Guarantor is otherwise released from its obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

Section 4.06 Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Guarantors, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Guarantor, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the other Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, subject to Section 4.04 hereof. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Guarantor and may be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Guarantor without the approval of any other Guarantor and without affecting the obligations of any other Guarantor hereunder.

Section 4.07 Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 4.08 GOVERNING LAW, ETC.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) THE GUARANTORS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT EACH IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND

 

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UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND LENDERS RETAIN THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY LOAN PARTY IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT.

(c) THE GUARANTORS, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT EACH IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

Section 4.09 WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

Section 4.10 Headings.

Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.11 Obligations Absolute.

All rights of the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder and all obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the ABL Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the ABL Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any other agreement or instrument, (c) any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee guaranteeing all or any of the Guaranteed Obligations or (d) subject only to termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 4.12, but without prejudice to reinstatement rights under Section 2.04, any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Guarantor in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations or this Agreement.

Section 4.12 Termination or Release.

(a) This Agreement and the Guarantees made herein shall terminate with respect to all Guaranteed Obligations when (i) all Revolving Credit Commitments have expired or been terminated and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the ABL Credit Agreement and (ii) all principal and interest in respect of each Loan (including Swing Loans) and all other Guaranteed Obligations (other than (A) contingent indemnification obligations with respect to then unasserted claims and (B) Guaranteed Obligations in respect of Obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to any Secured Hedge Agreement or Cash Management Services not yet due and payable, unless the Collateral Agent has received written notice, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed date of any such termination, stating that arrangements reasonably satisfactory to each applicable Hedge Bank or Cash Management Bank, as the case may be, in respect thereof have not been made) shall have been paid in full in cash, (iii) all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated (or been Cash Collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuer) and (iv) all Letter of Credit Obligations have been reduced to zero (or Cash Collateralized in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuer), provided, however, that in connection with the termination of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent may require such indemnities as it shall reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to protect the Secured Parties against (x) loss on account of credits previously applied to the Guaranteed Obligations that may subsequently be reversed or revoked, and (y) any Obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to the Secured Hedge Agreements or Cash Management Obligations to the extent not provided for thereunder.

(b) A Guarantor that is a Restricted Subsidiary shall automatically be released in the circumstances set forth in Section 11.11 of the ABL Credit Agreement.

(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) above, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall promptly execute and deliver to any Guarantor, at such Guarantor’s expense, all documents that such Guarantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 4.12 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.

 

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(d) At any time that the respective Guarantor desires that the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent take any of the actions described in immediately preceding clause (c), it shall, upon request of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, deliver to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate certifying that the release of the respective Guarantor is permitted pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have no liability whatsoever to any Secured Party as a result of any release of any Guarantor by it as permitted (or which the Administrative Agent in good faith believes to be permitted) by this Section 4.12.

Section 4.13 Additional Restricted Subsidiaries.

Pursuant to Section 8.11 of the ABL Credit Agreement, certain Restricted Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties that are wholly owned Material Domestic Subsidiaries and not Excluded Subsidiaries and that were not in existence or not Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the ABL Credit Agreement are required to enter in this Agreement as Guarantors upon becoming Restricted Subsidiaries (for avoidance of doubt, the Borrower may cause any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to Guarantee the Obligations by causing such Restricted Subsidiary to execute a Guaranty Supplement in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.13 and any such Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Guarantor herein). Upon execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent and a Restricted Subsidiary of a Guaranty Supplement, such Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Guarantor herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Guarantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Guarantor as a party to this Agreement.

Section 4.14 Recourse; Limited Obligations.

This Agreement is made with full recourse to each Guarantor and pursuant to and upon all the warranties, representations, covenants and agreements on the part of such Guarantor contained herein, in the ABL Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and otherwise in writing in connection herewith or therewith. It is the desire and intent of each Guarantor and each applicable Secured Party that this Agreement shall be enforced against each Guarantor to the fullest extent permissible under applicable Law applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought.

Section 4.15 Intercreditor Agreement.

The Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent acknowledge that the exercise of certain of the Collateral Agent’s and the Administrative Agent’s rights and remedies hereunder may be subject to, and restricted by, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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Except as specified herein, nothing contained in the Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to modify any of the provisions of this Agreement, which, as among the Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent shall remain in full force and effect.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

GUARANTORS:
CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC.
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to ABL Guaranty]


GUARANTORS:

 

J. CREW OPERATING CORP.

J. CREW INC.

J. CREW INTERNATIONAL, INC.

GRACE HOLMES, INC.

H. F. D. NO. 55, INC.

MADEWELL INC.

J. CREW VIRGINIA, INC.

By:  

         

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to ABL Guaranty]


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND COLLATERAL AGENT:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as

Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent

By:  

     

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to ABL Guaranty]


SCHEDULE I TO GUARANTY

GUARANTORS

Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc.

J. Crew Operating Corp.

J. Crew Inc.

J. Crew International, Inc.

Grace Holmes, Inc.

H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.

Madewell Inc.

J. Crew Virginia, Inc.


EXHIBIT I TO GUARANTY

FORM OF GUARANTY SUPPLEMENT

SUPPLEMENT NO.      dated as of                          , 20     , to the Guaranty dated as of March 7, 2011, among CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Guaranty”).

A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ABL Credit Agreement”), by, among others, the Borrower, Holdings, the Lenders and Issuers party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Lenders.

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the ABL Credit Agreement and the Guaranty, as applicable.

C. The Guarantors have entered into the Guaranty in order to induce (x) the Lenders to make Loans and (y) the Issuers to issue Letters of Credit. Section 4.13 of the Guaranty provides that additional Restricted Subsidiaries of the Guarantors may become Guarantors under the Guaranty by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Restricted Subsidiary (the “New Subsidiary”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the ABL Credit Agreement to become a Guarantor under the Guaranty as consideration for Loans previously made.

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:

Section 1. In accordance with Section 4.13 of the Guaranty, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Guarantor under the Guaranty with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Guarantor and the New Subsidiary hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Guaranty applicable to it as a Guarantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Guarantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, provided that, to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they shall be true and correct in all respects as of such earlier date. Each reference to a “Guarantor” in the Guaranty shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary as if originally named therein as a Guarantor. The Guaranty is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Section 2. The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.


Section 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Administrative Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Supplement by telecopy or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Supplement.

Section 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 5. (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND LENDERS RETAIN THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY LOAN PARTY IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT.

(c) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

Form of J. Crew Guaranty (ABL)


(d) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

Section 6. If any provision of this Supplement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Supplement shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 4.01 of the Guaranty.

Section 8. The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, as provided in Section 4.03(a) of the Guaranty.

 

Form of J. Crew Guaranty (ABL)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Guaranty as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW SUBSIDIARY]
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  


EXHIBIT I

FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT

[To be provided under separate cover]

 

F-1    Form of Security Agreement


Exhibit I

 

 

FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT

dated as of [                ] [    ], 20[    ]

among

CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION,

which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into

J. CREW GROUP, INC.,

with J. Crew Group, Inc. surviving such merger as the Borrower,

CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC.

as Holdings,

THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME,

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Collateral Agent

 

 

 

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I

  

Definitions

     2  

Section 1.01.

  

Credit Agreement

     2  

Section 1.02.

  

Other Defined Terms

     2  

ARTICLE II

  

Pledge of Securities

     7  

Section 2.01.

  

Pledge

     7  

Section 2.02.

  

Delivery of the Pledged Collateral

     8  

Section 2.03.

  

Representations, Warranties and Covenants

     9  

Section 2.04.

  

Certification of Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Interests

     11  

Section 2.05.

  

Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations

     11  

Section 2.06.

  

Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest

     11  

Section 2.07.

  

Collateral Agent Not a Partner or Limited Liability Company Member

     13  

ARTICLE III

  

Security Interests in Personal Property

     14  

Section 3.01.

  

Security Interest

     14  

Section 3.02.

  

Representations and Warranties

     16  

Section 3.03.

  

Covenants

     19  

Section 3.04.

  

Other Actions

     21  

ARTICLE IV

  

Special Provisions Concerning IP Collateral

     23  

Section 4.01.

  

Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property

     23  

Section 4.02.

  

Protection of Collateral Agent’s Security

     24  

ARTICLE V

  

Collections

     25  

ARTICLE VI

  

Remedies

     26  

Section 6.01.

  

Remedies Upon Default

     26  

Section 6.02.

  

Application of Proceeds

     29  

ARTICLE VII

  

Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

     29  

ARTICLE VIII

  

Miscellaneous

     30  

Section 8.01.

  

Notices

     30  

Section 8.02.

  

Waivers; Amendment

     30  

Section 8.03.

  

Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification

     31  

Section 8.04.

  

Successors and Assigns

     32  

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  

Section 8.05.

  

Survival of Agreement

     32  

Section 8.06.

  

Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement

     32  

Section 8.07.

  

Severability

     33  

Section 8.08.

  

Right of Set Off

  

Section 8.09.

  

GOVERNING LAW

     33  

Section 8.10.

  

WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY

     34  

Section 8.11.

  

Headings

     34  

Section 8.12.

  

Security Interest Absolute

     34  

Section 8.13.

  

Termination or Release

     34  

Section 8.14.

  

Additional Restricted Subsidiaries

     35  

Section 8.15.

  

Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact

     36  

Section 8.16.

  

General Authority of the Collateral Agent

     37  

Section 8.17.

  

Collateral Agent’s Duties

     37  

Section 8.18.

  

Recourse; Limited Obligations

     37  

Section 8.19.

  

Mortgages

     38  

Section 8.20.

  

Intercreditor Agreement

     38  

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULES

 

Schedule I   -      Subsidiary Guarantors
Schedule II   -      Pledged Equity; Pledged Debt
Schedule III   -      Commercial Tort Claims
Schedule IV   -      UCC Filing Offices
EXHIBITS
Exhibit I   -      Form of Security Agreement Supplement
Exhibit II   -      Form of Perfection Certificate
Exhibit III   -      Form of Trademark Security Agreement
Exhibit IV   -      Form of Patent Security Agreement
Exhibit V   -      Form of Copyright Security Agreement
Exhibit VI      Form of Deposit Account Control Agreement
Exhibit VII      Form of Securities Account Control Agreement

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


This SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of [                ] [    ], 20[    ] (this “Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth on Schedule I hereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties (as defined below).

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, Holdings, the Lenders and Issuers party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties.

The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Hedge Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain one or more Secured Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain Cash Management Services, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, in such Secured Hedge Agreements and in such Cash Management Services agreements, as applicable. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit, the obligation of the Issuers to issue Letters of Credit, the obligation of the Hedge Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Secured Hedge Agreements and the obligation of the Cash Management Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Cash Management Services are, in each case, conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each Grantor (as defined below). The Grantors are affiliates of one another, will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from (i) the extensions of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, (ii) the issuance of Letters of Credit by the Issuers for the account of the Borrower or, in accordance with the Credit Agreement, a Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) the entering into and/or maintaining by the Hedge Banks of Secured Hedge Agreements with the Borrower and/or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and (iv) the entering into and/or maintaining by the Cash Management Banks of Cash Management Services with the Borrower and/or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit, the Issuers to issue such Letters of Credit, the Hedge Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Secured Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Cash Management Services. The Intercreditor Agreement governs the relative rights and priorities of the Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties (as defined below) in respect of the Term Priority Collateral (as defined below) and the ABL Priority Collateral (as defined below) (and with respect to certain other matters as described therein). Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

   - 1 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


ARTICLE I

Definitions

Section 1.01. Credit Agreement.

(a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement, including the preamble and introductory paragraphs hereto, and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

(b) Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement or in the Credit Agreement, terms defined in Article 8 or 9 of the UCC (as defined below) are used in this Agreement as such terms are defined in such Article 8 or 9.

(c) The rules of construction specified in Article I of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.

Section 1.02. Other Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

ABL Priority Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Accommodation Payment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

Account(s)” means “accounts” as defined in Section 9-102 of the UCC, and also means a right to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance, (a) for property that has been or is to be sold, leased, licensed, assigned, or otherwise disposed of, (b) for services rendered or to be rendered, or (c) arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card.

Account Debtor” means any Person who is or who may become obligated to any Grantor under, with respect to or on account of an Account.

After-Acquired Intellectual Property” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.02(f).

Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Allocable Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

Article 9 Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(a).

Bankruptcy Event of Default” means any Event of Default under Sections 10.1(f) of the Credit Agreement.

Blue Sky Laws” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.

Borrower” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

Collateral” means the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral.

 

   - 2 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


Collateral Account” means the Concentration Account (as defined in the Credit Agreement), which cash collateral account shall be maintained with, and under the sole dominion and control of, the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the relevant Secured Parties.

Company” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement hereto.

Copyright License” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting any right to any third party under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that such Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting any right to any Grantor under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of such Grantor under any such agreement.

Copyrights” means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by or assigned to any Grantor: (a) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States or any other country, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, whether registered or unregistered and whether published or unpublished, (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such copyright in the United States or any other country, including registrations, recordings, supplemental registrations and pending applications for registration in the United States Copyright Office, including those listed on Schedule 7(c) to the Perfection Certificate and all: (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable Law with respect to such Grantor’s use of such copyrights, (ii) reissues, renewals, and extensions thereof and amendments thereto, (iii) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable with respect thereto, including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (iv) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (v) rights to sue for past, present or future infringements thereof.

Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.

Debtor Relief Laws” shall mean the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Discharge of Term Obligations” has the meaning assigned that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Domain Names” means all Internet domain names and associated URL addresses in or to which any Grantor now or hereafter has any right, title or interest.

Effective Date Grantor” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.02 of this Agreement.

Equipment” shall mean (x) any “equipment” as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC and in any event, shall include, but shall not be limited to, all machinery, equipment, furnishings, appliances, furniture, fixtures, tools, and vehicles now or hereafter owned by any Grantor in each case, regardless of whether characterized as equipment under the UCC and (y) and any and all additions, substitutions and replacements of any of the foregoing and all accessions thereto, wherever located, whether or not at any time of determination incorporated or installed therein or attached thereto, and all replacements therefore, together with all attachments, components, parts, equipment and accessories installed thereon or affixed thereto.

 

   - 3 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


Excluded Equity Interests” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

Excluded Property” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01 of this Agreement.

General Intangibles” has the meaning provided in Article 9 of the UCC and shall in any event include all choses in action and causes of action and all other intangible personal property of every kind and nature (other than Accounts) now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, as the case may be, including corporate or other business records, indemnification claims, contract rights (including rights under leases, whether entered into as lessor or lessee, Swap Contracts and other agreements), goodwill, registrations, franchises, tax refund claims and any letter of credit, guarantee, claim, security interest or other security held by or granted to any Grantor.

Grant of Security Interest” means a Grant of Security Interest in certain IP Collateral in the form of Exhibit III, IV or V attached hereto.

Grantor” means the Borrower and each Guarantor.

Holdings” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement hereto.

Inactive Subsidiaries” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.02(f) of this Agreement.

Intellectual Property” means all intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature now owned, licensed or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, including: inventions, designs, Patents, Copyrights, Licenses, Trademarks, Domain Names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know how, show how or other data or information, software, databases, all other proprietary information and all embodiments or fixations thereof and related documentation, registrations and all additions, improvements and accessions to, and books and records describing or used in connection with, any of the foregoing.

IP Collateral” means the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property.

License” means any Patent License, Trademark License, Copyright License or other license or sublicense agreement granting rights under Intellectual Property to which any Grantor is a party.

Patent License” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to develop, commercialize, import, make, have made, offer for sale, use or sell any invention on which a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, is in existence, or granting to any Grantor any such right with respect to any invention on which a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any third party, is in existence, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.

 

   - 4 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


Patents” means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, including registrations, recordings and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any other country, including those listed on Schedule 7(a) to the Perfection Certificate, and (b) all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable Law with respect to such Grantor’s use of any patents, (ii) inventions and improvements described and claimed therein, (iii) reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions and continuations-in-part thereof and amendments thereto, (iv) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable with respect to any of the foregoing including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (v) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (vi) rights to sue for past, present or future infringements thereof.

Perfection Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit II, completed and supplemented with the schedules and attachments contemplated thereby, and duly executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

Pledged Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Debt” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Equity” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01.

Pledged Securities” means any Promissory Notes, stock certificates, unit certificates, limited or unlimited liability membership certificates or other Securities or Instruments now or hereafter included in the Pledged Collateral, including all Pledged Equity, Pledged Debt and all other certificates, instruments or other documents representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral.

Secured Obligations” means the “Obligations” as defined in the Credit Agreement; it being acknowledged and agreed that the term “Secured Obligations” as used herein shall include each extension of credit under the Credit Agreement and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries which arise under the Loan Documents (including the Guaranty) or with respect to the Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements or Cash Management Obligations, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of this Agreement or extended or arising from time to time after the date of this Agreement.

Secured Parties” has the meaning provided in the Credit Agreement.

Securities Act” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.

 

   - 5 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


Security” means a “security” as such term is defined in Article 8 of the UCC and, in any event, shall include any stock, shares, partnership interests, voting trust certificates, certificates of interest or participation in any profit sharing agreement or arrangement, options, warrants, bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as “securities” or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in temporary or interim certificates for the purchase or acquisition of, or any right to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

Security Agreement Supplement” means an instrument substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto.

Security Interest” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01(a).

Term Agent” has the meaning assigned that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Term Documents” has the meaning assigned that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Term Priority Collateral” has the meaning assigned that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Term Secured Parties” has the meaning assigned that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Trademark License” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement (not including vendor or distribution agreements that allow incidental use of intellectual property rights in connection with the sale or distribution of such products or services).

Trademarks” means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, the goodwill of the business symbolized thereby or associated therewith, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any State of the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, and all extensions or renewals thereof, including those listed on Schedule 7(b) to the Perfection Certificate, (b) all rights and privileges arising under applicable Law with respect to such Grantor’s use of any trademarks, (c) all extensions and renewals thereof and amendments thereto, (d) all income, fees, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages, claims and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (e) all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (f) all rights to sue for past, present and future infringements or dilutions thereof or other injuries thereto.

 

   - 6 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided that, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, perfection, or the effect of perfection or non-perfection or the priority of a security interest in any Collateral or the availability of any remedy hereunder is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than New York, “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority or availability of such remedy, as the case may be.

UFCA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

UFTA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

ARTICLE II

Pledge of Securities

Section 2.01. Pledge. As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under (a) (i) all Equity Interests held by it (including those Equity Interests listed on Schedule II other than those of the Inactive Subsidiaries and of J. Crew Japan, Ltd.) and (ii) any other Equity Interests obtained in the future by such Grantor and the certificates representing all such Equity Interests (the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the “Pledged Equity”), in each case including all dividends, distributions, return of capital, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Pledged Equity and all warrants, rights or options issued thereon or with respect thereto; provided that the Pledged Equity shall not include (A) more than 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of (x) each Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary that is directly owned by the Borrower or by any Subsidiary Guarantor and (y) each Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary that is directly owned by the Borrower or by any Subsidiary Guarantor and that is a disregarded entity for United States Federal income tax purposes substantially all of the assets of which consist of Equity Interests in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries, (B) any Equity Interest of any Person (other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary), to the extent not permitted or restricted by the terms of such Person’s organizational or joint venture documents or other agreements with holders of such Equity Interests, (C) any Equity Interest if, to the extent and for so long as the pledge of such Equity Interest hereunder is prohibited by any applicable Law (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to the UCC or any other applicable Law); provided that such Equity Interest shall cease to be an Excluded Equity Interest at such time as such prohibition ceases to be in effect, (D) any Equity Interest that the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall have agreed in writing to treat as an Excluded Equity Interest for purposes hereof on account of the cost of pledging such Equity Interest hereunder (including any material adverse tax consequences to Holdings and its Affiliates resulting therefrom) being excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Secured Parties therefrom (any Equity Interests excluded pursuant to clauses (A) through (D) above, the “Excluded Equity Interests”); (b)(i) the Promissory Notes and any Instruments evidencing indebtedness owned by it (including those listed opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule II) and (ii) any Promissory Notes and Instruments evidencing

 

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indebtedness obtained in the future by such Grantor (the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the “Pledged Debt”), in each case including all interest, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all Pledged Debt; (c) all other property that may be delivered to and held by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.01; (d) subject to Section 2.06, all payments of principal or interest, dividends, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of, and all other Proceeds received in respect of, the securities referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above; (e) subject to Section 2.06, all rights and privileges of such Grantor with respect to the securities and other property referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above; and (f) all Proceeds of, and Security Entitlements in respect of, any of the foregoing (the items referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above being collectively referred to as the “Pledged Collateral”).

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Pledged Collateral, together with all right, title, interest, powers, privileges and preferences pertaining or incidental thereto, unto the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, forever; subject, however, to the terms, covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth.

Section 2.02. Delivery of the Pledged Collateral.

(a) On the Effective Date (in the case of any Grantor that grants a Lien on any of its assets hereunder on the Effective Date (each, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company, a “Effective Date Grantor”)) or on the date on which it signs and delivers its first Security Agreement Supplement (in the case of any other Grantor), each Grantor shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, any and all Pledged Securities (other than any Uncertificated Securities, but only for so long as such Securities remain uncertificated); provided that Promissory Notes and Instruments evidencing Indebtedness shall only be so required to be delivered to the extent required pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.02. Thereafter, whenever such Grantor acquires any other Pledged Security (other than any Uncertificated Securities, but only for so long as such Securities remain uncertificated), such Grantor shall promptly deliver or cause to be delivered to the Collateral Agent such Pledged Security as Collateral; provided that Promissory Notes and Instruments evidencing Indebtedness shall only be so required to be delivered to the extent required pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.02.

(b) As promptly as practicable (and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt by Grantor (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion)), each Grantor will cause any Indebtedness for borrowed money having an aggregate principal amount equal to or in excess of $5,000,000 owed to such Grantor by any Person (other than a Loan Party) to be evidenced by a duly executed Promissory Note that is pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

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(c) Upon delivery to the Collateral Agent, (i) any certificate or promissory note representing Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by undated stock or note powers, as applicable, duly executed in blank or other undated instruments of transfer duly-executed in blank reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and by such other instruments and documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property comprising part of the Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by such instruments and documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request. Each delivery of Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by a schedule describing such Pledged Securities, which schedule shall be deemed to supplement Schedule II and be made a part hereof; provided that failure to provide any such schedule hereto shall not affect the validity of such pledge of such Pledged Securities. Each schedule so delivered shall supplement any prior schedules so delivered.

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Effective Date Grantor does not or cannot deliver any Pledged Collateral (other than Pledged Collateral consisting of the Equity Interests of the Borrower or any wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower) on the Effective Date, after the use of commercially reasonable efforts to do so, such Effective Date Grantor shall not be required to deliver such Pledged Collateral until the date that is ninety (90) days after the Effective Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion (or, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, to the extent such Pledged Collateral constitutes Term Priority Collateral, as the Term Agent may agree prior to the Discharge of Term Obligations)).

(e) The assignment, pledge and security interest granted in Section 2.01 are granted as security only and shall not subject the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Pledged Collateral.

Section 2.03. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Each Grantor, jointly and severally, represents, warrants and covenants, as to itself and the other Grantors, to and with the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:

(a) Schedule II sets forth, as of the Effective Date and as of each date on which a supplement to Schedule II is delivered pursuant to Section 2.02(c), a true and correct list of (i) all the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by the Pledged Equity directly owned beneficially, or of record, by such Grantor specifying the issuer and certificate number (if any) of, and the number and percentage of ownership represented by, such Pledged Equity and (ii) all the Pledged Debt owned by such Grantor (other than checks to be deposited in the ordinary course of business), including all Promissory Notes and Instruments required to be pledged hereunder;

(b) the Pledged Equity issued by the Borrower, each other Grantor or their respective Subsidiaries and the Pledged Debt (solely with respect to Pledged Debt issued by a Person other than any Grantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, to the best of each Grantor’s knowledge) have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Equity (other than Pledged Equity consisting of limited liability company interests or partnership interests which, pursuant to the relevant organizational or formation documents, cannot be fully paid and non-assessable), are fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt (solely with respect to Pledged Debt issued by a Person other than any Grantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, to the best of each Grantor’s knowledge), are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof, subject to applicable Debtor Relief Laws and general principles of equity;

 

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(c) Each of the Grantors (i) holds the Pledged Securities indicated on Schedule II as owned by such Grantor free and clear of all Liens, other than (A) Liens created by the Collateral Documents and, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Term Documents and (B) other Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement, (ii) will make no assignment, pledge, hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral, other than (A) Liens created by the Collateral Documents and the Term Documents, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, and (B) other Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement, and (iii) will defend its title or interest thereto or therein against any and all Liens (other than the Liens permitted pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)), however arising, of all Persons whomsoever;

(d) except for (i) restrictions and limitations imposed by the Loan Documents or securities laws generally or by Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and (ii) in the case of Pledged Equity of Persons that are not Subsidiaries, transfer restrictions that exist at the time of acquisition of Equity Interests in such Persons, the Pledged Equity is and will continue to be freely transferable and assignable, and none of the Pledged Equity is or will be subject to any option, right of first refusal, shareholders agreement, charter or by-law or other organizational document provisions or contractual restriction of any nature that might prohibit, impair, delay or otherwise affect in any manner material and adverse to the Secured Parties the pledge of such Pledged Equity hereunder, the sale or disposition thereof pursuant hereto or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of rights and remedies hereunder;

(e) each of the Grantors has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder in the manner hereby done or contemplated;

(f) no consent or approval of any Governmental Authority, any securities exchange or any other Person was or is necessary to the validity and perfection of the pledge effected hereby (other than such as have been obtained and are in full force and effect);

(g) by virtue of the execution and delivery by the Grantors of this Agreement, when any Pledged Securities are delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with this Agreement, the Collateral Agent will (i) obtain a legal, valid and first-priority (subject only to any nonconsensual Liens permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, Liens granted to the Term Agent pursuant to the Term Documents or to any other agent or trustee pursuant to any Permitted Refinancing of the Term Facility) perfected lien upon and security interest in such Pledged Securities as security for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, (ii) have Control of such Pledged Securities and (iii) assuming that neither the Collateral Agent nor any of the Secured Parties (and, in case of delivery of such Pledged Securities to the Term Agent or to any other agent or trustee pursuant to any Permitted Refinancing of the Term Facility, neither such Person nor any of the Term Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement)) have “notice of an adverse claim” (as defined in Section 8-105 of the UCC) with respect to such Pledged Securities at the time such Pledged Securities are delivered to the Collateral Agent, be a protected purchaser (within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the UCC) thereof;

 

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(h) the pledge effected hereby is effective to vest in the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the rights of the Collateral Agent in the Pledged Collateral as set forth herein; and

(i) subject to the terms of this Agreement and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Grantor hereby agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, it will comply with instructions of the Collateral Agent with respect to the Equity Interests in such Grantor that constitute Pledged Equity hereunder that are not certificated without further consent by the applicable owner or holder of such Pledged Equity.

Section 2.04. Certification of Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Interests. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent any interest in any limited liability company or limited partnership controlled by any Grantor and pledged under Section 2.01 is a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the UCC and is governed by Article 8 of the UCC, such interest shall be represented by a certificate. Each Grantor further acknowledges and agrees that with respect to any interest in any limited liability company or limited partnership controlled on or after the date hereof by such Grantor and pledged hereunder that is not a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the UCC, such Grantor shall at no time elect to treat any such interest as a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the UCC, nor shall such interest be represented by a certificate, unless such election and such interest is thereafter represented by a certificate that is promptly delivered to the Collateral Agent, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the terms hereof.

Section 2.05. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Collateral Agent shall have given the Borrower notice of its intent to exercise such rights, (a) the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to cause each of the Pledged Securities to be transferred of record into the name of the Collateral Agent and (b) the Collateral Agent shall have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Securities for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any purpose consistent with this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Bankruptcy Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent shall not be required to give the notice referred to above in order to exercise the rights described above. Each Grantor will promptly give to the Collateral Agent copies of any material notices received by it with respect to Pledged Securities registered in the name of such Grantor. Each Grantor will take any and all actions reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to facilitate compliance with this Section 2.05.

Section 2.06. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest. (a) Unless and until an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Borrower that the rights of the Grantors under this Section 2.06 are being suspended:

(i) Each Grantor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and/or other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Securities or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that could materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Securities or the rights and remedies of any of the Collateral Agent or the other Secured Parties under this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same.

 

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(ii) The Collateral Agent shall promptly execute and deliver to each Grantor, or cause to be executed and delivered to such Grantor, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as such Grantor may reasonably request in writing for the purpose of enabling such Grantor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to subparagraph (i) above, in each case as shall be specified in such request and be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

(iii) Each Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Securities, to the extent (and only to the extent) that such dividends, interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable Laws; provided that any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that would constitute Pledged Equity or Pledged Debt, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests of the issuer of any Pledged Securities or received in exchange for Pledged Securities or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, or as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral, and, if received by any Grantor, shall not be commingled by such Grantor with any of its other funds or property but shall be held separate and apart therefrom, shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties and shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent). So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent shall promptly deliver to each Grantor (at the expense of such Grantor) any Pledged Securities in its possession if requested to be delivered to the issuer thereof in connection with any exchange or redemption of such Pledged Securities.

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, after the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Borrower of the suspension of the rights of the Grantors under Section 2.06(a), then all rights of any Grantor to dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor is authorized to receive pursuant to Section 2.06(a)(iii) shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or other distributions. All dividends, interest, principal or other distributions received by any Grantor contrary to the provisions of this Section 2.06 shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, shall be segregated from other property or funds of such Grantor and shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent upon demand in the same form as so received (with any necessary stock or note powers and other instruments of transfer reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent). Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph

 

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(b) shall be retained by the Collateral Agent in an account to be established by the Collateral Agent upon receipt of such money or other property and shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.02. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Collateral Agent a certificate to such effect, the Collateral Agent shall promptly repay to each Grantor (without interest) all dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor would otherwise be permitted to retain pursuant to the terms of Section 2.06(a)(iii) in the absence of any such Event of Default and that remain in such account, and such Grantor’s right to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Securities shall be automatically reinstated.

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Borrower of the suspension of the rights of the Grantors under Section 2.06(a), then all rights of any Grantor to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 2.06(a)(i), and the obligations of the Collateral Agent under Section 2.06(a)(ii), shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become, subject to the rights of the Term Agent under the Intercreditor Agreement, vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and consensual rights and powers; provided that, unless otherwise directed by the Requisite Lenders, the Collateral Agent shall have the right from time to time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default to permit the Grantors to exercise such rights. After all Events of Default have been cured or waived and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Collateral Agent a certificate to such effect, each Grantor shall have the exclusive right to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers that such Grantor would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to the terms of Section 2.06(a)(i), and the obligations of the Collateral Agent under Section 2.06(a)(ii) shall be reinstated.

(d) Any notice given by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower suspending the rights of the Grantors under this Section 2.06, (i) shall be given in writing, (ii) may be given with respect to one or more of the Grantors at the same or different times and (iii) may suspend the rights of the Grantors under Sections 2.06(a)(i) or (iii) in part without suspending all such rights (as specified by the Collateral Agent in its sole and absolute discretion) and without waiving or otherwise affecting the Collateral Agent’s rights to give additional notices from time to time suspending other rights so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 2.06(a), (b) or (c), if a Bankruptcy Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent shall not be required to give any notice referred to in said Sections in order to exercise any of its rights described in such Sections, and the suspension of the rights of each of the Grantors under each such Section shall be automatic upon the occurrence of such Bankruptcy Event of Default.

Section 2.07. Collateral Agent Not a Partner or Limited Liability Company Member. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to make the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party liable as a member of any limited liability company or as a partner of any partnership and neither the Collateral Agent nor any other Secured Party by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise (except as referred to in the following sentence) shall have any of the duties, obligations or liabilities of a member of any limited liability company or as a partner in any partnership. The parties hereto expressly agree that, unless the Collateral Agent shall become the absolute owner of Pledged Equity consisting of a limited liability company interest or a partnership interest pursuant hereto, this Agreement shall not be construed as creating a partnership or joint venture among the Collateral Agent, any other Secured Party, any Grantor and/or any other Person.

 

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ARTICLE III

Security Interests in Personal Property

Section 3.01. Security Interest.

(a) As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “Security Interest”) in, all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to or under any and all of the following assets and properties, whether now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which such Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “Article 9 Collateral”):

(i) all Accounts;

(ii) all Chattel Paper;

(iii) all Documents;

(iv) all Equipment;

(v) all General Intangibles;

(vi) all Instruments;

(vii) all Inventory;

(viii) all Investment Property:

(ix) all books and records pertaining to the Article 9 Collateral;

(x) all Goods and Fixtures;

(xi) all Money, cash, cash equivalents and Deposit Accounts;

(xii) all Letter-of-Credit Rights;

(xiii) all Commercial Tort Claims described on Schedule III from time to time;

(xiv) the Collateral Account, and all cash, Money, Securities and other investments deposited therein;

 

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(xv) all Supporting Obligations;

(xvi) all Security Entitlements in any or all of the foregoing;

(xvii) all Intellectual Property; and

(xviii) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing;

provided that “Collateral” shall not include any of the following assets or property, each being an “Excluded Property”: (i) any “intent to use” trademark application, solely during the period in which the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law, after which period such application shall be automatically subject to the security interest granted herein and deemed to be included in the Collateral, (ii) the Excluded Equity Interests, (iii) any specifically identified asset with respect to which the Collateral Agent has confirmed in writing to the Grantors its reasonable determination, in consultation with the Borrower, that the costs or other consequences (including adverse tax consequences) of providing a security interest is excessive in view of the practical benefits to be obtained by the Secured Parties, (iv) any assets securing purchase money obligations or Capitalized Lease Obligations permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement, to the extent that the terms of the agreements relating to such Lien prohibit the security interest under this Agreement from attaching to such assets, (v) any particular asset, if the pledge thereof or the security interest therein is prohibited by applicable Law other than to the extent such prohibition is rendered ineffective under the UCC or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition, (vi) any rights of a Grantor arising under or evidenced by any contract, lease, instrument, license or agreement to the extent the pledges thereof and security interests therein are prohibited or restricted by such contract, lease, instrument, license or other agreement, other than Proceeds and receivables thereof, except to the extent (x) the pledge of such rights is deemed effective under the UCC or other applicable Law or principle of equity notwithstanding such prohibition or restriction, or (y) such prohibition or restriction is deemed ineffective under the UCC or other applicable Law or principle of equity, (vii) licenses and any other property and assets to the extent that the Collateral Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein under applicable Laws (including, without limitation, rules and regulations of any Governmental Authority) to the extent such applicable Laws, rules or regulations are not rendered ineffective by the UCC or other applicable Law, or the pledge or creation of a security interest in which would require governmental consent, approval, license or authorization (except that Proceeds of dispositions thereof in accordance with applicable Law (including, without limitation, rules and regulations of any Governmental Authority) shall constitute Collateral), provided that Collateral shall include to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law all rights incident or appurtenant to such licenses, property and assets (except to the extent any Lien on such asset in favor of the Collateral Agent requires consent, approval or authorization from any Governmental Authority) and the right to receive all Proceeds realized from the sale, assignment or transfer of such licenses, property and assets, or (viii) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent security interests in such licenses, franchises, charters or authorizations are prohibited or restricted thereby (except to the extent such prohibition or restriction is deemed ineffective under

 

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the UCC or other applicable Law or principle of equity). Each Grantor shall, if requested to do so by the Collateral Agent, use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any such required consent that is reasonably obtainable with respect to Collateral described in clause (vi) above which the Collateral Agent reasonably determines to be material.

(b) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements or continuation statements (including fixture filings) with respect to the Article 9 Collateral or any part thereof and amendments thereto that (i) describe the collateral covered thereby in any manner that the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent reasonably determines is necessary or advisable to ensure the perfection of the security interest in the Article 9 Collateral granted under this Agreement including indicating the Collateral as all assets or all personal property of such Grantor or words of similar effect and (ii) contain the information required by Article 9 of the UCC of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including (A) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Grantor and (B) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing, a sufficient description of the real property to which such Article 9 Collateral relates. Each Grantor agrees to provide such information to the Collateral Agent promptly upon request.

(c) The Security Interest is granted as security only and shall not subject the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Article 9 Collateral.

(d) Each Grantor hereby further authorizes the Collateral Agent to file a Grant of Security Interest substantially in the form of Exhibit III, IV or V, as applicable, covering relevant IP Collateral consisting of Patents (and Patents for which applications are pending), registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which registration applications are pending) and registered Copyrights (and Copyrights for which registration applications are pending) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any successor office), as applicable, and such other documents as may be necessary or advisable for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the Security Interest granted by such Grantor hereunder, without the signature of such Grantor, and naming such Grantor, as debtor, and the Collateral Agent, as secured party.

Section 3.02. Representations and Warranties. Each Grantor represents and warrants, as to itself and the other Grantors, to the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties that:

(a) Each Grantor has good and valid rights (not subject to any Liens other than Liens permitted by Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement) and/or good or marketable title in the Article 9 Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a Security Interest hereunder (which rights and/or title, are in any event, sufficient under Section 9-203 of the UCC), and has full power and authority to grant to the Collateral Agent the Security Interest in such Article 9 Collateral pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other Person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained.

 

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(b) The Perfection Certificate has been duly executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name of each Grantor and its jurisdiction of organization, taken as a whole, is correct and complete in all material respects as of the Effective Date. The UCC financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) prepared by the Collateral Agent based upon the information provided to the Collateral Agent in the Perfection Certificate for filing in each governmental, municipal or other office specified in Schedule IV of this Agreement (or specified by notice from the applicable Grantor to the Collateral Agent after the Effective Date in the case of filings, recordings or registrations required by Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement and the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement), are all the filings, recordings and registrations (other than any filings required to be made in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office in order to perfect the Security Interest in Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property) necessary to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Article 9 Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration with respect to such Article 9 Collateral is necessary in any such jurisdiction, except as provided under applicable Law with respect to the filing of continuation statements. Each Grantor represents and warrants that, as of the Effective Date, fully executed Grants of Security Interest in the form attached as Exhibit III, IV or V, as applicable, containing a description of all IP Collateral consisting of Patents (and Patents for which applications are pending), registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which registration applications are pending) or registered Copyrights (and Copyrights for which registration applications are pending), as applicable, have been delivered to the Collateral Agent for recording by the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261, 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or 17 U.S.C. § 205 and the regulations thereunder.

(c) The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, (ii) subject to the filings described in Section 3.02(b), a perfected security interest in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the UCC and (iii) a security interest that shall be perfected in all Article 9 Collateral (other than with respect to any Copyright that is not material to the business of the Grantors, taken as a whole) in which a security interest may be perfected upon the receipt and recording of the relevant Grants of Security Interest with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, within the three month period (commencing as of the date hereof) pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261 or 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or the one month period (commencing as of the date hereof) pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 205. The Security Interest is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Article 9 Collateral, other than (i) any nonconsensual Lien that is expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and has priority as a matter of law and (ii) any other Lien that is expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and which, in the case of Liens permitted pursuant to Section 9.1(w) of the Credit Agreement, are subject at all times to the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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(d) The Article 9 Collateral is owned by the Grantors free and clear of any Lien, except for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement. None of the Grantors has filed or consented to the filing of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the UCC or any other applicable Laws covering any Article 9 Collateral, (ii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, or (iii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement.

(e) All Commercial Tort Claims of each Grantor where the amount of the damages claimed by such Grantor is in excess of $5,000,000 in existence on the date of this Agreement (or on the date upon which such Grantor becomes a party to this Agreement) are described on Schedule III hereto.

(f) C & W Outlet, Inc., a New York corporation (“C & W”) and ERL, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (“ERL” and together with C & W, the “Inactive Subsidiaries”), are inactive, hold no assets or liabilities, and will be dissolved as required by Section 3.03(h). J. Crew Japan, Ltd. holds no assets or liabilities other than the internet domain name jcrew.co.jp. and no more than $50,000 in cash.

(g) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, with respect to the IP Collateral:

(i) such Grantor is the exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in and to the IP Collateral or has the right or license to use the IP Collateral subject only to the terms of the Licenses;

(ii) the operation of such Grantor’s business as currently conducted and the use of the IP Collateral in connection therewith do not conflict with, infringe, misappropriate, dilute, misuse or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of any third party;

(iii) the IP Collateral set forth on the Perfection Certificate includes all of the patents, patent applications, domain names, trademark registrations and applications, copyright registrations and applications owned by such Grantor as of the date hereof;

(iv) the IP Collateral is subsisting and has not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, and to such Grantor’s knowledge, is valid and enforceable. Such Grantor is not aware of any uses of any material item of IP Collateral that could be expected to lead to such item becoming invalid or unenforceable;

(v) such Grantor has made or performed all filings, recordings and other acts and has paid all required fees and taxes to maintain and protect its interest in each and every item of IP Collateral in full force and effect, and to protect and maintain its interest therein;

 

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(vi) no claim, action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding has been asserted or is pending or threatened against such Grantor (A) based upon or challenging or seeking to deny or restrict the Grantor’s rights in or use of any of the IP Collateral, (B) alleging that the Grantor’s rights in or use of the IP Collateral or that any services provided by, processes used by, or products manufactured or sold by, such Grantor infringe, misappropriate, dilute, misuse or otherwise violate any patent, trademark, copyright or any other proprietary right of any third party, or (C) alleging that the IP Collateral is being licensed or sublicensed in violation or contravention of the terms of any license or other agreement. To such Grantor’s knowledge, no Person is engaging in any activity that infringes, misappropriates, dilutes, misuses or otherwise violates the material IP Collateral or the Grantor’s rights in or use thereof. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will not result in the termination or impairment of any of the IP Collateral;

(vii) with respect to each License: (A) such License is valid and binding and in full force and effect; (B) such Grantor has not received any notice of termination or cancellation under such License; (C) such Grantor has not received any notice of a breach or default under such License; and (D) neither such Grantor nor, to such Grantor’s knowledge, any other party to such License is in breach or default thereof in any material respect, and no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default or permit termination, modification or acceleration under such License; and

(viii) to such Grantor’s knowledge, (A) none of the material trade secrets of such Grantor has been used, divulged, disclosed or appropriated to the detriment of such Grantor for the benefit of any other Person other than such Grantor; (B) no employee, independent contractor or agent of such Grantor has misappropriated any material trade secrets of any other Person in the course of the performance of his or her duties as an employee, independent contractor or agent of such Grantor; and (C) no employee, independent contractor or agent of such Grantor is in default or breach of any material term of any employment agreement, non-disclosure agreement, assignment of inventions agreement or similar agreement or contract relating in any way to the protection, ownership, development, use or transfer of such Grantor’s material IP Collateral.

Section 3.03. Covenants.

(a) The Borrower agrees to promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) calendar days of such event, or such later date as the Collateral Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) notify the Collateral Agent of any change (i) in the legal name of any Grantor, (ii) in the identity or type of organization or corporate structure of any Grantor, (iii) in the jurisdiction of organization of any Grantor, (iv) in the location of any Grantor under the UCC or (v) in the organizational identification number of any Grantor. In addition, if any Grantor does not have an organizational identification number on the Effective Date (or the date such Grantor becomes a party to this Agreement) and later obtains one, the Borrower shall promptly thereafter notify the Collateral Agent of such organizational identification number and shall take all actions reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent to the extent necessary to maintain the security interests (and the priority thereof) of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral intended to be granted hereby fully perfected and in full force and effect. The Loan Parties agree not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings, publications and

 

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registrations, have been made (or will be made in a timely fashion) under the UCC or other applicable Law that are required in order for the Collateral Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected first priority security interest to the extent required under the Loan Documents (subject only to (i) any nonconsensual Lien that is expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and has priority as a matter of law and (ii) Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement and which, in the case of Liens permitted in respect of the Term Facility pursuant to Section 9.1 thereof, are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement) in all the Collateral for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Secured Parties.

(b) Each Grantor shall, at its own expense, take any and all commercially reasonable actions necessary to defend title to the Article 9 Collateral against all Persons, except with respect to Article 9 Collateral that such Grantor determines in its reasonable business judgment is no longer necessary or beneficial to the conduct of the business, and to defend the Security Interest of the Collateral Agent in the Article 9 Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement.

(c) At the time of delivery of annual financial statements with respect to the preceding Fiscal Year pursuant to Section 7.1(a) of the Credit Agreement and delivery of the related Compliance Certificate, the Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth the information required pursuant to the Perfection Certificate (other than Section 1(b) and Section 1(c)(ii) of the Perfection Certificate) or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of such certificate or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 3.03(c).

(d) Each Grantor agrees, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments and documents and take all such actions as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and Taxes required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the granting of the Security Interest and the filing of any financing statements (including fixture filings) or other documents in connection herewith or therewith. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Article 9 Collateral (other than by a Loan Party) that equals or exceeds $5,000,000 (or, in the case of ABL Priority Collateral, $2,000,000) shall be or become evidenced by any Promissory Note or Instrument, such Promissory Note or Instrument shall be promptly pledged and, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, delivered to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

(e) At its option, the Collateral Agent may discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Article 9 Collateral and not permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Credit Agreement, and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Article 9 Collateral to the extent any Grantor fails to do so as required by the Credit Agreement, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and within a reasonable period of time after the Collateral Agent has requested that it do so, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Collateral

 

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Agent within ten (10) days after demand for any payment made or any reasonable out-of-pocket expense incurred by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as excusing any Grantor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Grantor with respect to taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances and maintenance as set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.

(f) If at any time any Grantor shall take a security interest in any property of an Account Debtor or any other Person the value of which equals or exceeds $2,000,000 to secure payment and performance of an Account or related contracts, such Grantor shall promptly assign such security interest to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties. Such assignment need not be filed of public record unless necessary to continue the perfected status of the security interest against creditors of and transferees from the Account Debtor or other Person granting the security interest.

(g) Each Grantor (rather than the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party) shall remain liable (as between itself and any relevant counterparty) to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Article 9 Collateral, all in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties from and against any and all liability for such performance.

(h) The Grantors agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to dissolve the Inactive Subsidiaries as promptly as practical after the Effective Date.

(i) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary other than the filing of a UCC financing statement, (i) no actions shall be required to perfect the security interest granted hereunder in Letter-of-Credit Rights, (ii) no actions shall be required to perfect the security interest granted hereunder in motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title and (iii) no Grantor shall be required to complete any filings or other action with respect to the perfection of the security interests created hereby in any jurisdiction outside of the United States or any State thereof.

Section 3.04. Other Actions. In order to further insure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Collateral Agent to enforce, the Security Interest, each Grantor agrees, in each case at such Grantor’s own expense and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, to take the following actions with respect to the following Article 9 Collateral:

(a) Instruments. If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any Instruments constituting Collateral and evidencing an amount equal to or in excess of $5,000,000 (or, in the case of ABL Priority Collateral, $2,000,000) such Grantor shall promptly endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, accompanied by such undated instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

 

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(b) Investment Property. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Article II, if any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any Certificated Securities, such Grantor shall promptly endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, accompanied by such undated instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request. If any Securities now or hereafter acquired by any Grantor are uncertificated and are issued to such Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, upon the Collateral Agent’s request and following the occurrence of an Event of Default such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent thereof and, at the Collateral Agent’s reasonable request, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, either (but only to the extent such Securities and other Investment Property constitute Collateral) (i) cause the issuer to agree to comply with instructions from the Collateral Agent as to such Securities, without further consent of any Grantor or such nominee, or (ii) arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the registered owner of the Securities. If any Securities, whether certificated or uncertificated, or other Investment Property are held by any Grantor or its nominee through a Securities Intermediary, upon the Collateral Agent’s request and following the occurrence of an Event of Default (or, with respect to a Qualified Cash Securities Account, during the continuation of any Qualified Cash Trigger Period), such Grantor shall immediately notify the Collateral Agent thereof and at the Collateral Agent’s request and option, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent shall either (i) cause such Securities Intermediary to agree to comply with Entitlement Orders or other instructions from the Collateral Agent to such Securities Intermediary as to such Security Entitlements without further consent of any Grantor or such nominee, or (ii) in the case of Financial Assets or other Investment Property held through a Securities Intermediary, arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the Entitlement Holder with respect to such Investment Property, with the Grantor being permitted, only with the consent of the Collateral Agent, to exercise rights to withdraw or otherwise deal with such Investment Property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless and until an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (A) other than during a Qualified Cash Trigger Period, the Collateral Agent agrees with each of the Grantors that the Collateral Agent shall not give any such Entitlement Orders or instructions or directions to any such issuer, or Securities Intermediary, and shall not withhold its consent to the exercise of any withdrawal or dealing rights by any Grantor and (B) during a Qualified Cash Trigger Period, the Collateral Agent agrees to issue Entitlement Orders as reasonably requested by the Borrower with respected to any Qualified Cash Securities Account; provided that, with respect to this subclause (B), to the extent any such Entitlement Order requested by the Borrower constitutes withdrawal or transfer of Security Entitlements, prior to any such withdrawal or transfer the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Borrowing Base Certificate giving pro forma effect to the proposed withdrawal or transfer of Security Entitlements.

(c) Commercial Tort Claims. If any Grantor shall at any time after the date of this Agreement acquire a Commercial Tort Claim in an amount (taking the greater of the aggregate claimed damages thereunder or the reasonably estimated value thereof) of $5,000,000 or more, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent thereof in a writing signed by such Grantor and provide supplements to Schedule III describing the details thereof and shall grant to the Collateral Agent a security interest therein and in the proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE IV

Special Provisions Concerning IP Collateral

Section 4.01. Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property.

Without limiting the provisions of Section 3.01 hereof or any other rights of the Collateral Agent as the holder of a Security Interest in any IP Collateral, for the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Agreement at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to the Grantors) to use, license or sublicense any of the IP Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located (whether or not any license agreement by and between any Grantor and any other Person relating to the use of such IP Collateral may be terminated hereafter), and including in such license reasonable access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof, provided, however, that any such license granted by the Collateral Agent to a third party shall include reasonable and customary terms necessary to preserve the existence, validity and value of the affected IP Collateral, including without limitation, provisions requiring the continuing confidential handling of trade secrets, requiring the use of appropriate notices and prohibiting the use of false notices, protecting and maintaining the quality standards of the Trademarks in the manner set forth below (it being understood and agreed that, without limiting any other rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or applicable Law, nothing in the foregoing license grant shall be construed as granting the Collateral Agent rights in and to such IP Collateral above and beyond (x) the rights to such IP Collateral that each Grantor has reserved for itself and (y) in the case of IP Collateral that is licensed to any such Grantor by a third party, the extent to which such Grantor has the right to grant a sublicense to such IP Collateral hereunder).

The use of such license by the Collateral Agent may only be exercised, at the option of the Collateral Agent, during the continuation of an Event of Default; provided that any license, sublicense or other transaction entered into by the Collateral Agent in accordance herewith shall immediately terminate at such time as the Collateral Agent is no longer lawfully entitled to exercise its rights and remedies under this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 4.01 shall require a Grantor to grant any license that is prohibited by any rule of law, statute or regulation, or is prohibited by, or constitutes a breach or default under or results in the termination of any contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document evidencing, giving rise to or theretofore granted, with respect to such property or otherwise unreasonably prejudices the value thereof to the relevant Grantor. In the event the license set forth in this Section 4.01 is exercised with regard to any Trademarks, then the following shall apply: (i) all goodwill arising from any licensed or sublicensed use of any Trademark shall inure to the benefit of the Grantor; (ii) the licensed or sublicensed Trademarks shall only be used in association with goods or services of a quality and nature consistent with the quality and reputation with which such Trademarks were associated when used by Grantor prior to the exercise of the license rights set forth herein; and (iii) at the Grantor’s request and expense, licensees and sublicensees shall provide reasonable cooperation in any effort by the Grantor to maintain the registration or otherwise secure the ongoing validity and effectiveness of such licensed Trademarks, including, without limitation the actions and conduct described in Section 4.02 below.

 

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Section 4.02 Protection of Collateral Agent’s Security.

(a) Except to the extent permitted by subsection 4.02(h) below, or to the extent that failure to act could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, with respect to registration or pending application of each item of its IP Collateral for which such Grantor has standing to do so, each Grantor agrees to take, at its expense, all reasonable steps, including, without limitation, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Copyright Office and any other governmental authority located in the United States to (i) maintain the validity and enforceability of any registered IP Collateral and maintain such IP Collateral in full force and effect, and (ii) pursue the registration and maintenance of each Patent, Trademark, or Copyright registration or application, now or hereafter included in such IP Collateral of such Grantor, including, without limitation, the payment of required fees and taxes, the filing of responses to office actions issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Copyright Office or other governmental authorities, the filing of applications for renewal or extension, the filing of affidavits under Sections 8 and 15 of the U.S. Trademark Act, the filing of divisional, continuation, continuation-in-part, reissue and renewal applications or extensions, the payment of maintenance fees and the participation in interference, reexamination, opposition, cancellation, infringement and misappropriation proceedings.

(b) Except to the extent permitted by subsection 4.02(h) below, or to the extent that failure to act could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Grantor shall do or permit any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby any of its IP Collateral may lapse, be terminated, or become invalid or unenforceable or placed in the public domain (or in case of a trade secret, lose its competitive value).

(c) In the event that any Grantor becomes aware that any material item of the IP Collateral is being infringed or misappropriated by a third party, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent and shall take such actions, at its expense, as such Grantor reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances to protect or enforce such IP Collateral, including, without limitation, suing for infringement or misappropriation and for an injunction against such infringement or misappropriation.

(d) Each Grantor shall use proper statutory notice as commercially practical in connection with its use of each item of its IP Collateral. Except to the extent permitted by subsection 4.02(h) below, or to the extent that failure to act could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Grantor shall do or permit any act or knowingly omit to do any act whereby any of its IP Collateral may lapse or become invalid or unenforceable or placed in the public domain.

(e) Except to the extent permitted by subsection 4.02(h) below, or to the extent that failure to act could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Grantor shall take all reasonable steps to preserve and protect each item of its IP Collateral, including, without limitation, maintaining the quality of any and all products or services used or provided in connection with any of the Trademarks, consistent with the quality of the products and services as of the date hereof, and taking all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that all licensed users of any of the Trademarks abide by the applicable license’s terms with respect to the standards of quality.

 

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(f) Each Grantor agrees that, should it obtain an ownership or other interest in any IP Collateral after the Effective Date (the “After-Acquired Intellectual Property”) (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall automatically apply thereto, and (ii) any such After-Acquired Intellectual Property and, in the case of Trademarks, the goodwill symbolized thereby, shall automatically become part of the IP Collateral subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement with respect thereto.

(g) Once every Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower, each Grantor shall sign and deliver to the Collateral Agent an appropriate Security Agreement Supplement and related Grant of Security Interest with respect to applications for registration or registrations of IP Collateral owned or exclusively licensed by it as of the last day of such fiscal quarter, to the extent that such IP Collateral is not covered by any previous Security Agreement Supplement (and Grant of Security Interests) so signed and delivered by it. In each case, it will promptly cooperate as reasonably necessary to enable the Collateral Agent to make any necessary or reasonably desirable recordations with the U.S. Copyright Office or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as appropriate.

(h) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.02 or elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent any Grantor from abandoning or discontinuing the use or maintenance of any or its IP Collateral, or from failing to take action to enforce license agreements or pursue actions against infringers, if such Grantor determines in its reasonable business judgment that such abandonment, discontinuance, or failure to take action is desirable in the conduct of its business.

ARTICLE V

Collections

(a) Each Grantor hereby agrees to comply with the provisions of Section 8.12 of the Credit Agreement to the extent applicable to such Grantor.

(b) Subject to Section 8.12 of the Credit Agreement, without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent, no Grantor shall modify or amend (i) the instructions pursuant to any of the Credit Card Notifications, (ii) the Credit Card Agreements, (iii) in the case of Cash Receipts or Deposit Accounts, the Deposit Account Control Agreements or (iv) in the case of Qualified Cash or Approved Securities Accounts, the Securities Account Control Agreements. Each Grantor shall, and the Collateral Agent hereby authorizes each Grantor to, enforce and collect all amounts owing on the Inventory, Accounts and related contracts, for the benefit and on behalf of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties; provided, however, that such authorization may, at the direction of the Collateral Agent, be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Cash Dominion Period.

 

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ARTICLE VI

Remedies

Section 6.01. Remedies Upon Default.

Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, it is agreed that the Collateral Agent shall have the right to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party under this Agreement, the UCC or other applicable Law, and, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, also may, (i) require each Grantor to, and each Grantor agrees that it will at its expense and upon request of the Collateral Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by the Collateral Agent and make it available to the Collateral Agent at a place and time to be designated by the Collateral Agent that is reasonably convenient to both parties; (ii) occupy any premises owned or, to the extent lawful and permitted, leased by any of the Grantors where the Collateral or any part thereof is assembled or located for a reasonable period in order to effectuate its rights and remedies hereunder or under law, without obligation to such Grantor in respect of such occupation; provided that the Collateral Agent shall provide the applicable Grantor with notice thereof prior to or promptly after such occupancy; (iii) exercise any and all rights and remedies of any of the Grantors under or in connection with the Collateral, or otherwise in respect of the Collateral; provided that the Collateral Agent shall provide the applicable Grantor with notice thereof prior to or promptly after such exercise; (iv) withdraw any and all cash or other Collateral from any Collateral Account, Approved Deposit Account or Approved Securities Account and apply such cash and other Collateral to the payment of any and all Secured Obligations in the manner provided in Section 6.02 of this Agreement; (v) subject to the mandatory requirements of applicable Law and the notice requirements described below, sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral securing the Secured Obligations at a public or private sale or at any broker’s board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Collateral Agent shall deem appropriate and (vi) with respect to any IP Collateral, on demand, cause the Security Interest to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such IP Collateral (provided that no such demand may be made unless an Event of Default has occurred and has continued for thirty (30) days) by the applicable Grantors to the Collateral Agent, or license or sublicense, whether general, special or otherwise, and whether on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, any such IP Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Collateral Agent shall determine, provided, however, that such terms shall include all terms and restrictions that customarily required to ensure the continuing validity and effectiveness of the IP Collateral at issue, such as, without limitation, notice, quality control and inurement provisions with regard to Trademarks, patent designation provisions with regard to patents, and copyright notices and restrictions or decompilation and reverse engineering of copyrighted software, and confidentiality protections for trade secrets.

 

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Each Grantor acknowledges and recognizes that (a) the Collateral Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of all or a part of the Collateral consisting of securities by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. §77, (as amended and in effect, the “Securities Act”) or the securities laws of various states (the “Blue Sky Laws”), but may be compelled to resort to one or more private sales to a restricted group of purchasers who will be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof, (b) private sales so made may be at prices and upon other terms less favorable to the seller than if such securities were sold at public sales, (c) neither the Collateral Agent nor any other Secured Party has any obligation to delay sale of any of the Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit such securities to be registered for public sale under the Securities Act or the Blue Sky Laws, and (d) private sales made under the foregoing circumstances shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner. To the maximum extent permitted by Law, each Grantor hereby waives any claim against any Secured Party arising because the price at which any Collateral may have been sold at a private sale was less than the price that might have been obtained at a public sale, even if the Collateral Agent accepts the first offer received and does not offer such Collateral to more than one offeree. Upon consummation of any such sale the Collateral Agent shall have the right to assign, transfer and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof the Collateral so sold. Each such purchaser at any sale of Collateral shall hold the property sold absolutely, free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) all rights of redemption, stay and appraisal which such Grantor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.

The Collateral Agent shall give the applicable Grantors ten (10) days’ written notice (which each Grantor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Collateral Agent’s intention to make any sale of Collateral. Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale and, in the case of a sale at a broker’s board or on a securities exchange, shall state the board or exchange at which such sale is to be made and the day on which the Collateral, or portion thereof, will first be offered for sale at such board or exchange. Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Collateral Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale. The Collateral Agent may conduct one or more going out of business sales, in the Collateral Agent’s own right or by one or more agents and contractors. Such sale(s) may be conducted upon any premises owned, leased, or occupied by any Grantor. The Collateral Agent and any such agent or contractor, in conjunction with any such sale, may augment the Inventory with other goods (all of which other goods shall remain the sole property of the Collateral Agent or such agent or contractor). Any amounts realized from the sale of such goods which constitute augmentations to the Inventory (net of an allocable share of the costs and expenses incurred in their disposition) shall be the sole property of the Collateral Agent or such agent or contractor and neither any Grantor nor any Person claiming under or in right of any Grantor shall have any interest therein. At any such sale, the Collateral, or portion thereof, to be sold may be sold in one lot as an entirety or in separate parcels, as the Collateral Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine. The Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given. The Collateral Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause

 

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the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned. In case any sale of all or any part of the Collateral is made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Collateral Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Collateral Agent shall not incur any liability in case any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon like notice. At any public (or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, private) sale made pursuant to this Agreement, any Secured Party may bid for or purchase, free (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) from any right of redemption, stay, valuation or appraisal on the part of any Grantor (all said rights being also hereby waived and released to the extent permitted by applicable Law), the Collateral or any part thereof offered for sale and may make payment on account thereof by using any claim then due and payable to such Secured Party from any Grantor as a credit against the purchase price, and such Secured Party may, upon compliance with the terms of sale, hold, retain and dispose of such property without further accountability to any Grantor therefor. For purposes of determining the Grantors’ rights in the Collateral, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Collateral Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Grantor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Collateral Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Secured Obligations paid in full, provided, however, that such agreements shall include all terms and restrictions that are customarily required to ensure the continuing validity and effectiveness of the IP Collateral at issue, such as, without limitation, quality control and inurement provisions with regard to Trademarks, patent designation provisions with regard to patents, and copyright notices and restrictions or decompilation and reverse engineering of copyrighted software, and protecting the confidentiality of trade secrets. As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Collateral Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court appointed receiver. Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.01 shall be deemed to conform to the commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.

Each Grantor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent (and all officers, employees or agents designated by the Collateral Agent) as such Grantor’s true and lawful agent (and attorney-in-fact) during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice to the Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights (except in the case of a Bankruptcy Event of Default, in which case no such notice shall be required), for the purpose of, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, (i) making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of Article 9 Collateral under policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Grantor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of insurance, (ii) making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto and (iii) obtaining or maintaining the policies of insurance required by Section 8.5 of the Credit Agreement or to pay any premium in whole or in part relating thereto. All sums disbursed by the Collateral Agent in connection with this paragraph, including reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, court costs, expenses and other charges relating thereto, shall be payable, within ten (10) days of demand, by the Grantors to the Collateral Agent and shall be additional Secured Obligations secured hereby.

 

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By accepting the benefits of this Agreement and each other Collateral Document, the Secured Parties expressly acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and each other Collateral Document may be enforced only by the action of the Collateral Agent and that no other Secured Party shall have any right individually to seek to enforce or to enforce this Agreement or to realize upon the security to be granted hereby, it being understood and agreed that such rights and remedies may be exercised by the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties upon the terms of this Agreement and the other Collateral Documents.

Section 6.02. Application of Proceeds.

Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall apply the proceeds of any collection or sale of Collateral, including any Collateral consisting of cash, in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.3 of the Credit Agreement. The Collateral Agent shall have absolute discretion as to the time of application of any such proceeds, moneys or balances in accordance with this Agreement. Upon any sale of Collateral by the Collateral Agent (including pursuant to a power of sale granted by statute or under a judicial proceeding), the receipt of the Collateral Agent or of the officer making the sale shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Collateral Agent or such officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof. It is understood and agreed that the Grantors shall remain jointly and severally liable to the extent of any deficiency between the amount of the proceeds of the Collateral and the aggregate amount of the Secured Obligations.

ARTICLE VII

Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination

Upon payment by any Grantor of any Secured Obligations, all rights of such Grantor against the Borrower or any other Grantor arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all the Secured Obligations (other than (i) contingent indemnity obligations for then unasserted claims; (ii) obligations and liabilities under Secured Hedge Agreements as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank shall have been made; or (iii) Cash Management Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Cash Management Bank shall have been made) and the termination of all Commitments to any Loan Party under any Loan Document. If any amount shall erroneously be paid to the Borrower or any other Grantor on account of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Grantor, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Collateral Agent to be credited against the payment of the Secured Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Subject to the foregoing, to the extent that any Grantor (other than the Borrower) shall, under this Agreement or the Credit Agreement as a joint and several obligor, repay any of the Secured Obligations (an “Accommodation Payment”), then the Grantor making such Accommodation Payment shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each

 

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of the other Grantors in an amount equal to a fraction of such Accommodation Payment, the numerator of which fraction is such other Grantor’s Allocable Amount and the denominator of which is the sum of the Allocable Amounts of all of the Grantors. As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of each Grantor shall be equal to the maximum amount of liability for Accommodation Payments which could be asserted against such Grantor hereunder and under the Credit Agreement without (a) rendering such Grantor “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101 (31) of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“UFTA”) or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (“UFCA”), (b) leaving such Grantor with unreasonably small capital or assets, within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA, or (c) leaving such Grantor unable to pay its debts as they become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA.

ARTICLE VIII

Miscellaneous

Section 8.01. Notices.

All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 12.8 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to a Grantor other than the Borrower shall be given in care of the Borrower.

Section 8.02. Waivers; Amendment.

(a) No failure or delay by the Collateral Agent in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 8.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Revolving Credit Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default or Event of Default, regardless of whether the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party may have had notice or knowledge of such Default or Event of Default at the time.

(b) Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Collateral Agent and the Grantor or Grantors with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 12.1 of the Credit Agreement.

 

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Section 8.03. Collateral Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification.

(a) The parties hereto agree that the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of its expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 12.3 of the Credit Agreement.

(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify the Collateral Agent and the other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 12.4 of the Credit Agreement) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including, without limitation, all Attorney Costs of Shearman & Sterling LLP and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of all Indemnitees taken as a whole), imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of this Agreement or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) the ownership, delivery, lease, possession, use, operation, condition, sale, return or other disposition of any Collateral or (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Grantor, its directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and, in each case, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements (i) resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any Affiliate or Related Indemnified Person of such Indemnitee, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) are relating to disputes amongst Indemnitees other than (1) any claim against an Indemnitee or its Related Parties in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as Collateral Agent and (2) any claim arising out of any act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or (iii) subject to Section 3.1 of the Credit Agreement, related to Taxes (other than Taxes relating to liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements indemnified under this Section 8.03(b)). No Indemnitee nor any Grantor shall have any liability and each party hereby waives, any claim against any other party to this Agreement or any Indemnitee, for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Effective Date) (other than, in the case of any Grantor, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party).

(c) Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Secured Obligations secured hereby and by the other Collateral Documents. The provisions of this Section 8.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the repayment of any of the Secured Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any

 

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other Loan Document, any resignation of the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Loan Lender or Issuer or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section 8.03 shall be payable within twenty (20) Business Days after written demand therefor.

Section 8.04. Successors and Assigns.

Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Grantor or the Collateral Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective permitted successors and assigns. Except as provided in Section 12.2 of the Credit Agreement, no Grantor may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the written consent of the Collateral Agent.

Section 8.05. Survival of Agreement.

Without limitation of any provision of the Credit Agreement or Section 8.03 hereof, all covenants, agreements, indemnities, representations and warranties made by the Grantors in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Revolving Credit Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such Lender or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Collateral Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended under the Credit Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect until this Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 8.13 hereof, or with respect to any individual Grantor until such Grantor is otherwise released from its obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof.

Section 8.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement.

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by telecopier or by electronic.pdf copy of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by each Effective Date Grantor (and, with respect to each Person that becomes a Grantor hereunder following the Effective Date, on the date of delivery of a Security Agreement Supplement by such Grantor) and the Collateral Agent and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Grantor and the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, subject to Section 8.04 hereof. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Grantor and may be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Grantor without the approval of any other Grantor and without affecting the obligations of any other Grantor hereunder.

 

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Section 8.07. Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 8.08. GOVERNING LAW, ETC.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) THE GRANTORS AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT EACH IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES THAT THE COLLATERAL AGENT RETAINS THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY GRANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT.

(c) THE GRANTORS AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT EACH IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

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Section 8.09. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

Section 8.10. Headings.

Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section 8.11. Security Interest Absolute.

All rights of the Collateral Agent hereunder, the Security Interest, the grant of a security interest in the Pledged Collateral and all obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Secured Hedge Agreement, any Cash Management Services, any agreement with respect to any of the Secured Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Secured Hedge Agreement, any Cash Management Services, or any other agreement or instrument, (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee, securing or guaranteeing all or any of the Secured Obligations or (d) subject only to termination of a Grantor’s obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms of Section 8.12, but without prejudice to reinstatement rights under Section 2.04 of the Guaranty, any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor in respect of the Secured Obligations or this Agreement.

Section 8.12. Termination or Release.

(a) This Agreement, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate with respect to all Secured Obligations when (i) all Revolving Credit Commitments have expired or been terminated and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement, (ii) all outstanding Secured Obligations (other than (A) contingent indemnification obligations with respect to then unasserted claims and (B) Secured Obligations in respect of obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations, in each

 

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case, not yet due and payable; unless the Collateral Agent has received written notice, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed date of any such release of the Security Interest, stating that arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be, in respect thereof have not been made) shall have been paid in full in cash, (iii) all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated (or been Cash Collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuer) and (iv) all Letter of Credit Obligations have been reduced to zero (or Cash Collateralized in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuer), provided, however, that in connection with the termination of this Agreement, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may require such indemnities as it shall reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to protect the Secured Parties against (x) loss on account of credits previously applied to the Secured Obligations that may subsequently be reversed or revoked, and (y) any obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to the Obligations in respect of Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations, in each case to the extent not provided for thereunder.

(b) The Security Interest in any Collateral shall be automatically released in the circumstances set forth in Section 11.11(a) of the Credit Agreement or upon any release of the Lien on such Collateral in accordance with Sections 11.11(b) or (d) of the Credit Agreement.

(c) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b), the Collateral Agent shall promptly execute and deliver to any Grantor, at such Grantor’s expense, all documents that such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 8.12 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Collateral Agent.

(d) At any time that the respective Grantor desires that the Collateral Agent take any of the actions described in immediately preceding clause (c), it shall, upon request of the Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent an officer’s certificate certifying that the release of the respective Collateral is permitted pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b). The Collateral Agent shall have no liability whatsoever to any Secured Party as the result of any release of Collateral by it as permitted (or which the Collateral Agent in good faith believes to be permitted) by this Section 8.12.

Section 8.13. Additional Restricted Subsidiaries.

Pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement, certain Restricted Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties that were not in existence or not Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of the Credit Agreement are required to enter in this Agreement as Grantors upon becoming Restricted Subsidiaries. Upon execution and delivery by the Collateral Agent and a Restricted Subsidiary of a Security Agreement Supplement, such Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Grantor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.

 

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Section 8.14. Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact.

(a) Each Grantor hereby appoints the Collateral Agent the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of such Grantor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof at any time after and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Period, subject to Section 3.04(b), a Qualified Cash Trigger Period or an Event of Default, as applicable, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, (i) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Period, subject to Section 3.04(b), a Qualified Cash Trigger Period and (unless a Bankruptcy Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in which case no such notice shall be required) upon and after delivery of notice by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, with full power of substitution either in the Collateral Agent’s name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to take actions required to be taken by the Grantors under Article V of this Agreement; and (b) to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof; and (ii) subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and (unless a Bankruptcy Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in which case no such notice shall be required) delivery of notice by the Collateral Agent to the Borrower of its intent to exercise such rights, with full power of substitution either in the Collateral Agent’s name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral; (b) to sign the name of any Grantor on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Collateral; (c) to send verifications of Accounts to any Account Debtor; (d) to commence and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral; (e) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral; (f) to notify, or to require any Grantor to notify, Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Collateral Agent or to a Collateral Account and adjust, settle or compromise the amount of payment of any Account or related contracts; (g) to make, settle and adjust claims in respect of Collateral under policies of insurance and to endorse the name of such Grantor on any check, draft, instrument or any other item of payment with respect to the proceeds of such policies of insurance and for making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto; and (h) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Collateral Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Collateral Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby. The Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or willful misconduct or that of any of their Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents or attorneys-in-fact.

 

   - 36 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


(b) All acts in accordance with this Section 8.14 of said attorney or designee are hereby ratified and approved by the Grantors. The powers conferred on the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, under this Section 8.14 are solely to protect the Collateral Agent’s interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to exercise any such powers.

Section 8.15. General Authority of the Collateral Agent.

By acceptance of the benefits of this Agreement and any other Collateral Documents, each Secured Party (whether or not a signatory hereto) shall be deemed irrevocably (a) to consent to the appointment of the Collateral Agent as its agent hereunder and under such other Collateral Documents, (b) to confirm that the Collateral Agent shall have the authority to act as the exclusive agent of such Secured Party for the enforcement of any provisions of this Agreement and such other Collateral Documents against any Grantor, the exercise of remedies hereunder or thereunder and the giving or withholding of any consent or approval hereunder or thereunder relating to any Collateral or any Grantor’s obligations with respect thereto, (c) to agree that it shall not take any action to enforce any provisions of this Agreement or any other Collateral Document against any Grantor, to exercise any remedy hereunder or thereunder or to give any consents or approvals hereunder or thereunder except as expressly provided in this Agreement or any other Collateral Document and (d) to agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and any other Collateral Documents.

Section 8.16. Collateral Agent’s Duties.

Except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, the Collateral Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral, as to ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relative to any Collateral, whether or not any Secured Party has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters, or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral. The Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which it accords its own property.

Section 8.17. Recourse; Limited Obligations.

This Agreement is made with full recourse to each Grantor and pursuant to and upon all the warranties, representations, covenants and agreements on the part of such Grantor contained herein, in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and otherwise in writing in connection herewith or therewith, with respect to the Secured Obligations of each applicable Secured Party. It is the desire and intent of each Grantor and each applicable Secured Party that this Agreement shall be enforced against each Grantor to the fullest extent permissible under applicable Law applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought.

 

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Section 8.18. Mortgages.

In the event that any of the Collateral hereunder is also subject to a valid and enforceable Lien under the terms of a Mortgage and the terms thereof are inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, then with respect to such Collateral, the terms of such Mortgage shall control in the case of fixtures and real property leases, letting and licenses of, and contracts, and agreements relating to the lease of, real property, and the terms of this Agreement shall control in the case of all other Collateral.

Section 8.19. Intercreditor Agreement.

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent under this Agreement and the exercise of the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent hereunder and under any other Collateral Document are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement or any other Collateral Document, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Collateral Agent acknowledges and agrees that no Grantor shall be required to take or refrain from taking any action at the request of the Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral if such action or inaction would be inconsistent with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

(b) Subject to the foregoing, (i) to the extent the provisions of this Agreement (or any other Collateral Documents) require the delivery of, or control over, Term Priority Collateral to be granted to the Collateral Agent at any time prior to the Discharge of Term Obligations, then delivery of such Term Priority Collateral (or control with respect thereto, (and any related approval or consent rights)) shall instead be granted to the Term Agent, to be held in accordance with the Term Documents and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) any provision of this Agreement (or any other Collateral Documents) requiring Grantors to name the Collateral Agent as an additional insured or a loss payee under any insurance policy or a beneficiary of any letter of credit, such requirement shall have been complied with if any such insurance policy or letter of credit also names the Term Agent as an additional insured, loss payee or beneficiary, as the case may be, in each case pursuant and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

(c) Furthermore, at all times prior to the Discharge of Term Obligations, the Collateral Agent is authorized by the parties hereto to effect transfers of Term Priority Collateral at any time in its possession (and any “control” or similar agreements with respect to Term Priority Collateral) to the Term Agent.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein but subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, in the event the Term Documents provide for the grant of a security interest or pledge over the assets of any Grantor and such assets do not otherwise constitute Collateral under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, such Grantor shall (i) promptly grant a security interest in or pledge such assets to secure the Secured Obligations, (ii) promptly take any actions necessary to perfect such security interest or pledge to the extent set forth in the Term Documents and (iii) take all other steps reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent in connection with the foregoing.

(e) Nothing contained in the Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to modify any of the provisions of this Agreement, which, as among the Grantors and the Collateral Agent shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

   - 38 -    Form of ABL Security Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

CHINOS ACQUISITION

CORPORATION (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., with J. Crew Group, Inc. surviving such merger as the Borrower),

By:  

                                                                   

  Name:
  Title:
CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., as Holdings,
By:  

                                                                               

  Name:
  Title:

 

      Form of ABL Security Agreement


The undersigned hereby confirms that, as a result of its merger with Chinos Acquisition Corporation, it hereby assumes all of the rights and obligations of Chinos Acquisition Corporation under this Agreement (in furtherance of, and not in lieu of, any assumption or deemed assumption as a matter of law) and is joined to this Agreement as the Borrower thereunder.
J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:

 

 

J. Crew – Signature Page to ABL Security Agreement

   Form of ABL Security Agreement


SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR:

J. Crew Operating Corp.

J. Crew Inc.

J. Crew International, Inc.

Grace Holmes, Inc.

H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.

Madewell Inc.

J. Crew Virginia, Inc.

Each of the above as a Subsidiary Guarantor
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:

 

J. Crew – Signature Page to ABL Security Agreement

   Form of ABL Security Agreement


COLLATERAL AGENT:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:

 

J. Crew – Signature Page to ABL Security Agreement

   Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE I TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

J. Crew Operating Corp.

J. Crew Inc.

J. Crew International, Inc.

Grace Holmes, Inc.

H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.

Madewell Inc.

J. Crew Virginia, Inc.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE II TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Issuer

  

Registered

Owner/Grantor

   Percentage of
Equity Interests
    Number of
Shares
     Class of Equity
Interest
   Number of
Certificate

J. Crew Group, Inc.

   Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (after giving effect to the Transaction)      100     1,000      Common Stock    1

J. Crew Operating Corp.

   J. Crew Group, Inc.      100     100      Common Stock    C1

J. Crew Inc.

   J. Crew Operating Corp.      100     100      Common Stock    2

Grace Holmes, Inc.

   J. Crew Operating Corp.      100     10      Common Stock    3

H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.

   J. Crew Operating Corp.      100     10      Common Stock    3

J. Crew Virginia, Inc.

   J. Crew Operating Corp.      100     100      Common Stock    1

Madewell Inc.

   J. Crew Operating Corp.      100     10      Common Stock    1

J. Crew International, Inc.

   J. Crew Inc.      100     100      Common Stock    3

J. Crew Canada Inc.

   J. Crew Operating Corp.      65     100      Common Stock    C-3

PLEDGED DEBT

 

1.

Intercompany Notes:

Global Intercompany Note, dated as of the Effective Date, among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries party thereto.

 

2.

Promissory Notes or Other Pledged Debt:

None.

 

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE III TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

None.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE IV TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

UCC FILINGS

 

Grantor      

  

Jurisdiction        

Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc.    Delaware
J. Crew Group, Inc.    Delaware
J. Crew Operating Corp.    Delaware
J. Crew Inc.    Delaware
J. Crew International, Inc.    Delaware
Grace Holmes, Inc.    Delaware
H. F. D. No. 55, Inc.    Delaware
Madewell Inc.    Delaware
J. Crew Virginia, Inc.    Virginia

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT I TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT

SUPPLEMENT NO.          dated as of                    , 20      (this “Supplement”), to the Security Agreement dated as of March 7, 2011 (the “Security Agreement”), among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date was merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Subsidiary Guarantors thereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties.

A. Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by, among others, the Borrower, Holdings, the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties and (ii) the Guaranty (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement, as applicable.

C. The Grantors have entered into the Security Agreement in order to induce (x) the Lenders to make Loans and (y) the Issuers to issue Letters of Credit. Section 8.13 of the Security Agreement provides that additional Restricted Subsidiaries of the Grantors may become Grantors under the Security Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument substantially in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Restricted Subsidiary (the “New Subsidiary”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and as consideration for Loans previously made.

Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:

Section 1. In accordance with Section 8.13 of the Security Agreement, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor and the New Subsidiary hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof; provided that, to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, they shall be true and correct in all respects as of such earlier date. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Subsidiary, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Secured Obligations does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Subsidiary’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) of the New Subsidiary. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Security Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary as if originally named therein as a Grantor. The Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Section 2. The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.

Section 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile or electronic (including.pdf file) transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

Section 4. The New Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants that the Perfection Certificate and updated schedules to the Security Agreement attached hereto as Schedule I have been duly executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name of the New Subsidiary and its jurisdiction of organization, is correct and complete in all material respects as of the date hereof.

Section 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 7. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Security Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.01 of the Security Agreement.

Section 9. The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including all Attorney Costs of counsel for the Collateral Agent as provided in Section 8.03(a) of the Security Agreement.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Security Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW SUBSIDIARY]
By:                   
Name:  
Title:
Legal Name:
Jurisdiction of Formation:
Location of Chief Executive Office:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent
By:                   
Name:  
Title:

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE I TO SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT

[ATTACH COMPLETED PERFECTION CERTIFICATE FOR NEW SUBSIDIARY AND

ALL SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT, UPDATED FOR NEW SUBSIDIARY]

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT II TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement dated as of March 7, 2011 (the “Term Facility Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc. (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (“Holdings”), the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and (ii) the Credit Agreement dated as of March 7, 2011 (the “ABL Credit Agreement” and, together with the Term Facility Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower, Holdings, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and an Issuer and the other Issuers party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the applicable Credit Agreement or the Security Agreement referred to therein, as applicable.

The undersigned, a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party on behalf of the Loan Parties as follows:

SECTION 1. Names. (a) Set forth on Schedule 1(a) is (i) the exact legal name of each Loan Party, as such name appears in its certificate of organization or like document and (ii) each other legal name such Loan Party has had in the past five years, together with the date of the relevant name change and each other name used by each Loan Party on any filings with the Internal Revenue Service at any time in the past five years.

(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 1(b) and pursuant to the Transactions, no Loan Party has changed its identity or corporate structure or entered into a similar reorganization in any way within the past five years. Changes in identity or corporate structure would include mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of all or substantially all of the assets of (or all or substantially all the assets constituting a business unit, division, product line or line of business of) a Person or other acquisitions of material assets outside the ordinary course of business, as well as any change in the form, nature or jurisdiction of organization. With respect to any such change that has occurred within the past five years, Schedules 1(a), 1(b) and 2(a) set forth the information required by Sections 1(a) and 2(a) of this Perfection Certificate as to each acquiree or constituent party to such merger, consolidation or acquisition.

(c) Set forth on Schedule 1(c) is (i) the exact legal name of each direct and indirect Subsidiary of Holdings, as such name appears in its certificate of organization or like document and (ii) each contractual agreement existing on the date hereof that would restrict a Guarantee of the Obligations by any such Subsidiary that would otherwise be required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Credit Agreements.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SECTION 2. Jurisdictions and Locations.

(a) Set forth on Schedule 2(a) is (i) the jurisdiction of organization and the form of organization of each Loan Party, (ii) the organizational identification number, if any, assigned by such jurisdiction and (iii) the address (including the county) of the chief executive office of such Loan Party.

(b) Set forth in Schedule 2(b) are all locations where each Loan Party maintains any books or records relating to any Collateral.

(c) Set forth in Schedule 2(c) hereto are all other locations where each Loan Party maintains any of the Collateral consisting of Inventory or equipment, not identified above, with an aggregate value in excess of $2,000,000.

(d) Set forth in Schedule 2(d) hereto are the names, addresses and title in regards to the Collateral of all persons or entities other than each Loan Party, such as lessees, consignees, warehousemen or purchasers of chattel paper, which have possession or are intended to have possession of any of the Collateral consisting of instruments, chattel paper, Inventory or equipment.

SECTION 3. Unusual Transactions. Except for Inventory or Accounts acquired pursuant to any merger, consolidation or acquisition which is listed on Schedule 1(b) hereof, all Accounts have been originated by the Loan Parties and all Inventory with an aggregate value in excess of $5,000,000 has been acquired by the Loan Parties in the ordinary course of business.

SECTION 4. Stock Ownership and other Equity Interests. Set forth on Schedule 4 is a true and correct list, for each Loan Party, of all the issued and outstanding Pledged Equity owned, beneficially or of record, by such Loan Party, specifying the issuer and certificate number (if any) of, and the number and percentage of ownership represented by, such Pledged Equity and setting forth the percentage of such Pledged Equity pledged under the Security Agreements.

SECTION 5. Debt Instruments. Set forth on Schedule 5 is a true and correct list, for each Loan Party, of all promissory notes and other evidence of indebtedness (other than checks to be deposited in the ordinary course of business) owned by such Loan Party that are required to be pledged under the Credit Agreements and the Collateral Documents, and to the extent applicable, specifying the creditor and debtor thereunder and the outstanding principal amount thereof.

SECTION 6. Real Property. Set forth on Schedule 6 is a true and correct list, for each Loan Party, of all real property with a fair market value in excess of $5,000,000 owned by such Loan Party that is required to be pledged under the Credit Agreements and the Collateral Documents.

SECTION 7. Intellectual Property. (a) Set forth on Schedule 7(a) is a true and correct list, with respect to each Loan Party, of all United States patents and patent applications owned by such Loan Party (except, for the avoidance of doubt, as otherwise indicated on Schedule 7(a)), including the name of the owner, title, registration or application number of any registrations or applications.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


(b) Set forth on Schedule 7(b) is a true and correct list, with respect to each Loan Party, of all United States trademark registrations and applications owned by such Loan Party (except, for the avoidance of doubt, as otherwise indicated on Schedule 7(b)), including the name of the registered owner and the registration or application number of any registrations and applications.

(c) Set forth on Schedule 7(c) is a true and correct list, with respect to each Loan Party, of all United States copyright registrations and applications owned by such Loan Party (except, for the avoidance of doubt, as otherwise indicated on Schedule 7(c)), including the name of the registered owner, title and the registration or serial number of any copyright registrations.

(d) Set forth on Schedule 7(d) is a true and correct list, with respect to each Loan Party, of all exclusive Copyright Licenses under which such Loan Party is a licensee, including the name and address of the licensor under such exclusive Copyright License and the name of the registered owner, title and the registration or serial number of any copyright registration to which such exclusive Copyright License relates.

SECTION 8. Commercial Tort Claims. Set forth on Schedule 8 is a true and correct list of commercial tort claims in excess of $5,000,000 held by any Loan Party, including a brief description thereof.

SECTION 9. Deposit Accounts. Attached hereto as Schedule 9 is a true and correct list of deposit accounts, brokerage accounts, commodity accounts or securities investment accounts maintained by any Loan Party, including the name and address of the applicable depositary or other institution, the name and type of account, the name of the Loan Party that maintains each account and the account number.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate on the date above first written.

 

CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
  By:  

 

    Name:
    Title:
J. CREW GROUP, INC.
  By:  

 

    Name:
    Title:

Signature Page to Perfection Certificate

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 1(a)

Names

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 1(b)

Unusual Transactions

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 1(c)

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 2(a)

Jurisdictions and Locations

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 2(b)

Books and Records

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 2(c)

Location of Collateral

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 2(d)

Holders of Collateral

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 4

Stock Ownership and Other Equity Interests

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 5

Debt Instruments

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 6

Real Property

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 7(a)

Intellectual Property

U.S. Patent Registrations and Patent Applications

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 7(b)

Intellectual Property

U.S. Trademark Registrations

U.S. Trademark Applications

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 7(c)

Intellectual Property

U.S. Copyright Registrations and Copyright Applications

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 7(d)

Intellectual Property

Exclusive Copyright Licenses under which a Loan Party is a Licensee

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 8

Commercial Tort Claims

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Schedule 9

Deposit Accounts

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT III TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

[FORM OF] TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

This TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Trademark Security Agreement”) dated         , 20     , is made by the Persons listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively, the “Grantors”) in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below).

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, J. Crew Group, Inc., Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Lenders party thereto from time to time and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, (ii) each Secured Hedge Agreement and (iii) each agreement relating to Cash Management Services. The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Hedge Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain one or more Secured Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain Cash Management Services, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, in such Secured Hedge Agreements or agreements relating to Cash Management Services, as applicable.

Whereas, as a condition precedent to the Lenders extension of such credit, the obligation of the Hedge Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Secured Hedge Agreements and the obligation of the Cash Management Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Cash Management Services, each Grantor has executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement dated March 7, 2011, made by the Grantors to the Collateral Agent (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”).

Whereas, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantors have granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, among other property, certain intellectual property of the Grantors, and have agreed as a condition thereof to execute this Trademark Security Agreement for recording with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other governmental authorities.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor agrees as follows:

SECTION 1. Terms. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SECTION 2. Grant of Security. Each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties a continuing security interest in all of the Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Trademarks, including the Trademarks set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

SECTION 3. Security for Obligations. The grant of a security interest in the Trademarks by each Grantor under this Trademark Security Agreement is made to secure the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations.

SECTION 4. Recordation. Each Grantor authorizes and requests that the Commissioner for Trademarks and any other applicable government officer record this Trademark Security Agreement.

SECTION 5. Execution in Counterparts. This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

SECTION 6. Security Agreement. This Trademark Security Agreement has been entered into in conjunction with the provisions of the Security Agreement. Each Grantor does hereby acknowledge and confirm that the grant of the security interest hereunder to, and the rights and remedies of, the Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Trademark Security Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR], Grantor
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Collateral Agent and Grantee
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE A

 

  MARK 

  

  SERIAL/REG. NO.  

  

  APP./REG. DATE  

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT IV TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

[FORM OF] PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT

This PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Patent Security Agreement”) dated         , 20     , is made by the Persons listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively, the “Grantors”) in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below).

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, J. Crew Group, Inc., Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Lenders party thereto from time to time and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, (ii) each Secured Hedge Agreement and (iii) each agreement relating to Cash Management Services. The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Hedge Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain one or more Secured Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain Cash Management Services, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, in such Secured Hedge Agreements or agreements relating to Cash Management Services, as applicable.

Whereas, as a condition precedent to the Lenders extension of such credit, the obligation of the Hedge Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Secured Hedge Agreements and the obligation of the Cash Management Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Cash Management Services, each Grantor has executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement dated March 7, 2011, made by the Grantors to the Collateral Agent (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”).

Whereas, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantors have granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, among other property, certain intellectual property of the Grantors, and have agreed as a condition thereof to execute this Patent Security Agreement for recording with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other governmental authorities.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor agrees as follows:

SECTION 1. Terms. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement.

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SECTION 2. Grant of Security. Each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties a continuing security interest in all of the Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Patents, including the Patents set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

SECTION 3. Security for Obligations. The grant of a security interest in the Patent by each Grantor under this Patent Security Agreement is made to secure the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations.

SECTION 4. Recordation. Each Grantor authorizes and requests that the Commissioner for Patents and any other applicable government officer record this Patent Security Agreement.

SECTION 5. Execution in Counterparts. This Patent Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

SECTION 6. Security Agreement. This Patent Security Agreement has been entered into in conjunction with the provisions of the Security Agreement. Each Grantor does hereby acknowledge and confirm that the grant of the security interest hereunder to, and the rights and remedies of, the Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Patent Security Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR], Grantor
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Grantee
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE A

 

  PATENT 

  

  PATENT NO.  

  

  FILING/ISSUE DATE  

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT V TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

[FORM OF] COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT

This COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Copyright Security Agreement”) dated         , 2011, is made by the Persons listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively, the “Grantors”) in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below).

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, J. Crew Group, Inc., Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Lenders party thereto from time to time and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, (ii) each Secured Hedge Agreement and (iii) each agreement relating to Cash Management Services. The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, the Hedge Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain one or more Secured Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Banks have agreed to enter into and/or maintain Cash Management Services, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, in such Secured Hedge Agreements or agreements relating to Cash Management Services, as applicable.

Whereas, as a condition precedent to the Lenders extension of such credit, the obligation of the Hedge Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Secured Hedge Agreements and the obligation of the Cash Management Banks to enter into and/or maintain such Cash Management Services, each Grantor has executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement dated March 7, 2011, made by the Grantors to the Collateral Agent (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”).

Whereas, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantors have granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, among other property, certain intellectual property of the Grantors, and have agreed as a condition thereof to execute this Copyright Security Agreement for recording with the U.S. Copyright Office and other governmental authorities.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor agrees as follows:

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SECTION 1. Terms. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement and Security Agreement.

SECTION 2. Grant of Security. Each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties a continuing security interest in all of the Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Copyrights and exclusive Copyright Licenses, including the Copyrights and exclusive Copyright Licenses set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

SECTION 3. Security for Obligations. The grant of a security interest in the Copyrights and exclusive Copyright Licenses by each Grantor under this Copyrights Security Agreement is made to secure the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Secured Obligations.

SECTION 4. Recordation. Each Grantor authorizes and requests that the Commissioner for Copyrights and any other applicable government officer record this Copyright Security Agreement.

SECTION 5. Execution in Counterparts. This Copyright Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

SECTION 6. Security Agreement. This Copyright Security Agreement has been entered into in conjunction with the provisions of the Security Agreement. Each Grantor does hereby acknowledge and confirm that the grant of the security interest hereunder to, and the rights and remedies of, the Collateral Agent with respect to the Collateral are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Copyright Security Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR], Grantor
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Grantee
By:                   
  Name:
  Title:

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


SCHEDULE A

COPYRIGHTS

 

  COPYRIGHT 

  

  COPYRIGHT NO.  

  

  APP./REG. DATE  

COPYRIGHT LICENSES

 

  AGREEMENT 

  

  PARTIES  

  

  DATE  

  

  SUBJECT MATTER  

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT VI TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNT CONTROL AGREEMENT

[separately provided]

 

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


EXHIBIT VII TO SECURITY AGREEMENT

FORM OF SECURITIES ACCOUNT CONTROL AGREEMENT

[separately provided]

 

Form of ABL Security Agreement


Exhibit J

 

LOGO

J. Crew Group, Inc.

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

 

Email to:       Certificate No.                                    
      Certificate Date                                    

On Hand Inventory as of:                                                       

                           At Cost      
ADD:        Retail      
   Factory      
   Direct      
  

Total On Hand Inventory

     
LESS:        Shrink Reserve      
   Unprocessed Damages      
  

Total Inventory Ineligibles / Reserves

     
Eligible On-Hand Inventory      

NOLV (Jan - Aug: 113.0%; Sept - Dec: 120.4%)

     

Advance Rate (Jan 1 - Sept 30: 90%; Aug 1 - Dec 31: 92.5%)

     
Total On-Hand Inventory Availability

 

In-Transit Inventory as of:                                                                    

                                           LESS:        Ineligible In-Transit Inventory

     
Eligible In-Transit Inventory      

NOLV (Jan - Aug: 81.9%; Sept - Dec: 89.6%)

     

Advance Rate

     
Total In-Transit Inventory Availability      

 

Letter of Credit Inventory as of:                                                        
LESS:    Ineligible LC Inventory      
Eligible Letter of Credit Inventory      

NOLV (Jan - Aug: 48.9%; Sept - Dec: 56.1%)

     

Advance Rate

     
Total Letter of Credit Inventory Availability      

 

Total Inventory Availability      

 

Credit Card Receivables as of:                                               

                                   LESS:             Outstanding Fees

   delete as net from above or note such    $                —  
                                                                             Amounts Older Than Five Business Days       $                —  
       Total Ineligible Credit Card Receivables      
Eligible Credit Card Receivables      

Advance Rate:

     
Credit Card Receivables Availability      

 

Qualified Cash as of:                                                         TBD   

Advance Rate:

     
Qualified Cash Availability      

 

LESS: Availability Reserves:      

 

 

Rent Reserve - 1

month rent in PA, VA and WA

  Gift Certificates (50%)
  Ad Valorem Taxes for Texas
  Self Funded Insurance Reserve
  Duty & Freight (6% of Eligible LC/In Transit Inventory)
Total Availability Reserves
Borrowing Base (as calculated)
Maximum Credit (lesser of Borrowing Base and $250MM)

 

AVAILABILITY CALCULATION


Exhibit J

 

LOGO

J. Crew Group, Inc.

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

 

Email to:             Certificate No.                                    
            Certificate Date                                    
Beginning Principal Balance               
               ADD:    Prior days advance      
      ADD:    Interest / Fees charged today      
      LESS:    Prior day’s paydown      
Ending principal balance               
      ADD:    Standby Letters of Credit      
      ADD:    Documentary Letters of Credit      
Total loan balance and L/Cs prior to request      
Excess Availability prior to today’s request      

ADVANCE REQUEST

     

PAY DOWN

     
Excess Availability      

The undersigned represents and warrants that the information set forth above and in the supporting documentation provided herewith is true and correct in all material respects and has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders and Issuers party thereto from time to time and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders and Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties.

 

  Authorized Signature  

                                                                                                                

 
           Name  

 

 
  Title  

 

 
  Date  

 

 

 


EXHIBIT K

FORM OF INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

[To be provided under separate cover]

 

K-1

   Form of ABL Intercreditor Agreement


Exhibit K

 

 

FORM OF INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

by and between

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as ABL Agent,

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Term Agent

Dated as of [    ] [     ], 20[     ]

 

 

 

 

      Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page No.  

ARTICLE 1

  DEFINITIONS      2  

Section 1.1

 

UCC Definitions

     2  

Section 1.2

 

Other Definitions

     2  

Section 1.3

 

Rules of Construction

     16  

ARTICLE 2

  LIEN PRIORITY      17  

Section 2.1

 

Priority of Liens

     17  

Section 2.2

 

Waiver of Right to Contest Liens

     18  

Section 2.3

 

Remedies Standstill

     19  

Section 2.4

 

Exercise of Rights

     20  

Section 2.5

 

No New Liens

     22  

Section 2.6

 

Waiver of Marshalling

     22  

ARTICLE 3

  ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES      23  

Section 3.1

 

Certain Actions Permitted

     23  

Section 3.2

 

Agent for Perfection

     23  

Section 3.3

 

Sharing of Information and Access

     24  

Section 3.4

 

Insurance

     24  

Section 3.5

 

No Additional Rights For the Credit Parties Hereunder

     24  

Section 3.6

 

Inspection and Access Rights

     25  

Section 3.7

 

Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds

     27  

Section 3.8

 

Purchase Right

     27  

Section 3.9

 

Payments Over

     29  

ARTICLE 4

  APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS      30  

Section 4.1

 

Application of Proceeds

     30  

Section 4.2

 

Specific Performance

     32  

ARTICLE 5

  INTERCREDITOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND WAIVERS      32  

Section 5.1

 

Notice of Acceptance and Other Waivers

     32  

Section 5.2

 

Modifications to ABL Documents and Term Documents

     34  

Section 5.3

 

Reinstatement and Continuation of Agreement

     35  

ARTICLE 6

  INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS      36  

Section 6.1

 

DIP Financing

     36  

 

Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Section 6.2

 

Relief From Stay

     38  

Section 6.3

 

No Contest; Adequate Protection

     38  

Section 6.4

 

Asset Sales

     39  

Section 6.5

 

Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification

     40  

Section 6.6

 

Enforceability

     41  

Section 6.7

 

ABL Obligations Unconditional

     41  

Section 6.8

 

Term Obligations Unconditional

     41  

ARTICLE 7

  MISCELLANEOUS      42  

Section 7.1

 

Rights of Subrogation

     42  

Section 7.2

 

Further Assurances

     42  

Section 7.3

 

Representations

     42  

Section 7.4

 

Amendments

     43  

Section 7.5

 

Addresses for Notices

     43  

Section 7.6

 

No Waiver; Remedies

     44  

Section 7.7

 

Continuing Agreement, Transfer of Secured Obligations

     44  

Section 7.8

 

Governing Law; Entire Agreement

     44  

Section 7.9

 

Counterparts

     44  

Section 7.10

 

No Third Party Beneficiaries

     44  

Section 7.11

 

Headings

     45  

Section 7.12

 

Severability

     45  

Section 7.13

 

Attorneys’ Fees

     45  

Section 7.14

 

VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER

     45  

Section 7.15

 

Intercreditor Agreement

     46  

Section 7.16

 

No Warranties or Liability

     46  

Section 7.17

 

Conflicts

     47  

Section 7.18

 

Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Credit Parties

     47  

 

Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

THIS INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of [                ] [    ], 2011 between BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (“Bank of America”), in its capacities as administrative agent and collateral agent (together with its successors and assigns in such capacities, the “ABL Agent”) for (i) the financial institutions, lenders and investors party from time to time to the ABL Credit Agreement referred to below (such financial institutions, lenders and investors together with their respective successors, assigns and transferees, including any letter of credit issuers under the ABL Credit Agreement, the “ABL Lenders”), (ii) any ABL Cash Management Affiliates (as defined below) and (iii) any ABL Hedging Affiliates (as defined below) (such ABL Cash Management Affiliates and ABL Hedging Affiliates, together with the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders and any other secured parties under any ABL Credit Agreement, the “ABL Secured Parties”) and Bank of America, in its capacities as administrative agent and collateral agent (together with its successors and assigns in such capacities, the “Term Agent”) for (i) the financial institutions, lenders and investors party from time to time to the Term Credit Agreement referred to below (such financial institutions, lenders and investors, together with their respective successors, assigns and transferees, the “Term Lenders”), (ii) any Term Cash Management Affiliates (as defined below) and (iii) any Term Hedging Affiliates (as defined below) (such Term Cash Management Affiliates and Term Hedging Affiliates, together with the Term Agent and the Term Lenders and any other secured parties under any Term Credit Agreement, the “Term Secured Parties”).

RECITALS

A. Pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (which on the date hereof shall be merged with and into J. CREW GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the borrower (the “Borrower”), CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the ABL Lenders and the ABL Agent (as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ABL Credit Agreement”), the ABL Lenders have agreed to make certain loans and other financial accommodations to or for the benefit of the Borrower.

B. Pursuant to certain guaranties each dated as of the date hereof (as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated and/or otherwise modified, collectively, the “ABL Guaranty”) by each of the ABL Guarantors in favor of the ABL Secured Parties, the ABL Guarantors have agreed to guarantee, inter alia, the payment and performance of the Borrower’s obligations under the ABL Documents (as hereinafter defined).

C. As a condition to the effectiveness of the ABL Credit Agreement and to secure the obligations of the Borrower and the ABL Guarantors (the Borrower, the ABL Guarantors (as hereinafter defined) and each other direct or indirect subsidiary or parent of the Borrower or any of their affiliates that is now or hereafter becomes a party to any ABL Document, collectively, the “ABL Credit Parties”) under and in connection with the ABL Documents, the ABL Credit Parties have granted to the ABL Agent (for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties) Liens on the Collateral.

 

Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


D. Pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION (which on the date hereof shall be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower), Holdings, the Term Lenders and the Term Agent (as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Term Credit Agreement”), the Term Lenders have agreed to make certain loans to the Borrower.

E. Pursuant to certain guaranties each dated as of the date hereof (as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated and/or otherwise modified, collectively (collectively, the “Term Guaranty”) by each of the Term Guarantors (as hereinafter defined) in favor of the Term Secured Parties, the Term Guarantors have agreed to guarantee, inter alia, the payment and performance of the Borrower’s obligations under the Term Documents (as hereinafter defined).

F. As a condition to the effectiveness of the Term Credit Agreement and to secure the obligations of the Borrower and the Term Guarantors (the Borrower, the Term Guarantors and each other direct or indirect subsidiary or parent of the Borrower or any of its affiliates that is now or hereafter becomes a party to any Term Document, collectively, the “Term Credit Parties”) under and in connection with the Term Documents, the Term Credit Parties have granted to the Term Agent (for the benefit of the Term Secured Parties) Liens on the Collateral.

G. Each of the ABL Agent (on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties) and the Term Agent (on behalf of the Term Secured Parties) and, by their acknowledgment hereof, the ABL Credit Parties and the Term Credit Parties, desire to agree to the relative priority of Liens on the Collateral and certain other rights, priorities and interests as provided herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 UCC Definitions. The following terms which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code are used herein as so defined: Account, Chattel Paper, Commercial Tort Claim, Deposit Account, Document, Electronic Chattel Paper, Financial Asset, Fixtures, General Intangible, Instrument, Inventory, Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Right, Money, Payment Intangible, Promissory Note, Records, Securities Account, Security Entitlement, Supporting Obligation and Tangible Chattel Paper.

Section 1.2 Other Definitions. Subject to Section 1.1, as used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

ABL Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement and shall include any successor thereto as well as any Person designated as the “Agent”, “Administrative Agent”, “Collateral Agent”, “Trustee” or “Collateral Trustee” or similar term under any ABL Credit Agreement.

 

   2    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


ABL Cash Management Affiliate” shall mean any ABL Cash Management Bank that is owed ABL Cash Management Obligations by an ABL Credit Party and which ABL Cash Management Obligations are secured by one or more ABL Collateral Documents, together with their respective successors, assigns and transferees.

ABL Cash Management Bank” shall mean, as of any date of determination, any Person that is an ABL Lender or an Affiliate of an ABL Lender on such date.

ABL Cash Management Obligations” shall mean obligations owed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any ABL Cash Management Bank in respect of or in connection with any Cash Management Services and designated under the ABL Credit Agreement by the ABL Cash Management Bank and the Borrower in writing to the ABL Agent as “Cash Management Obligations”.

ABL Collateral Documents” shall mean all “Collateral Documents” or similar term as defined in any ABL Credit Agreement, and all other security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust and other collateral documents executed and delivered in connection with any ABL Credit Agreement, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

ABL Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals to this Agreement and shall include any one or more other agreements, indentures or facilities extending the maturity of, consolidating, restructuring, refunding, replacing or refinancing all or any portion of the ABL Obligations, whether by the same or any other agent, trustee, lender, group of lenders, creditor or group of creditors and whether or not increasing the amount of any Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder.

ABL Credit Parties” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the recitals to this Agreement.

ABL Deposit and Securities Accounts” means all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts, collection accounts and lockbox accounts (and all related lockboxes) of the Credit Parties (other than the Term Loan Priority Accounts).

ABL Documents” shall mean any ABL Credit Agreement, any ABL Guaranty, any ABL Collateral Document, all Cash Management Services between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any ABL Cash Management Affiliate, any ABL Hedging Agreement between any ABL Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary and any ABL Hedging Affiliate, any other ancillary agreement as to which any ABL Secured Party is a party or a beneficiary and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any ABL Credit Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and delivered to the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party, in connection with any of the foregoing or any ABL Credit Agreement, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

ABL Guarantors” shall mean the collective reference to (i) Holdings and each wholly owned Material Domestic Subsidiary (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) of the Borrower other than any Excluded Subsidiary (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), and (ii) any other Person who becomes a guarantor under any ABL Guaranty. The term “ABL Guarantors” shall include all “Guarantors” under and as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

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ABL Guaranty” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the recitals to this Agreement and shall also include any other guaranty made by an ABL Guarantor guaranteeing, inter alia, the payment and performance of any ABL Obligations.

ABL Hedge Bank” shall have the meaning assigned to the term “Hedge Bank” in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Hedging Affiliate” shall mean any ABL Hedge Bank that has entered into an ABL Hedging Agreement with an ABL Credit Party or Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, with the obligations of such ABL Credit Party or Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, thereunder being secured by one or more ABL Collateral Documents, together with their respective successors, assigns and transferees.

ABL Hedging Agreement” means any “Secured Hedge Agreement” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Joint Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).

ABL Lenders” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement, as well as any Person designated as a “Lender” or similar term under any ABL Credit Agreement.

ABL Obligations” shall mean any and all obligations of every nature of each ABL Credit Party from time to time owed to the ABL Secured Parties, or any of them, under, in connection with, or evidenced or secured by any ABL Document, including, without limitation, all “Obligations” or similar term as defined in any ABL Credit Agreement and whether for principal, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to such ABL Credit Party, would have accrued on any ABL Obligation, whether or not a claim is allowed against such ABL Credit Party for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), reimbursement of amounts drawn under letters of credit, payments for early termination of Swap Contracts, fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, and all other amounts owing or due under the terms of any ABL Document.

ABL Priority Collateral” shall mean all Collateral consisting of the following (including for the avoidance of doubt, any such assets that, but for the application of Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any foreign Debtor Relief Laws), would be ABL Priority Collateral):

(1) all Accounts, other than Accounts which constitute identifiable proceeds of Term Priority Collateral;

(2) cash, Money and cash equivalents;

 

   4    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(3) all (x) Deposit Accounts (other than Term Loan Priority Accounts) and Money and all cash, checks, other negotiable instruments, funds and other evidences of payments properly held therein, including intercompany indebtedness between or among the Credit Parties or their Affiliates, to the extent owing in respect of ABL Priority Collateral, (y) Securities Accounts (other than Term Loan Priority Accounts), Security Entitlements and Securities credited to such a Securities Account (other than Equity Interests) and (z) Commodity Accounts (other than Term Loan Priority Accounts) and Commodity Contracts credited thereto, and, in each case, all cash, Money, cash equivalents, checks and other property properly held therein or credited thereto (other than Equity Interests); provided, however, that to the extent that identifiable proceeds of Term Priority Collateral are deposited in any such Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts, such identifiable proceeds shall be treated as Term Priority Collateral;

(4) all Inventory;

(5) to the extent relating to, evidencing or governing any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (4) constituting ABL Priority Collateral, all Documents, General Intangibles (including all rights under contracts but excluding any Intellectual Property), Instruments (including Promissory Notes), Chattel Paper (including Tangible Chattel Paper and Electronic Chattel Paper) and Commercial Tort Claims; provided that to the extent any of the foregoing also relates to Term Priority Collateral, only that portion related to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (4) shall be included in the ABL Priority Collateral;

(6) to the extent relating to any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (5) constituting ABL Priority Collateral, all Supporting Obligations and Letter-of-Credit Rights; provided that to the extent any of the foregoing also relates to Term Priority Collateral only that portion related to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (5) shall be included in the ABL Priority Collateral;

(7) all books and Records relating to the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (6) constituting ABL Priority Collateral (including all books, databases, customer lists, engineer drawings, and Records, whether tangible or electronic, which contain any information relating to any of the items referred to in the preceding clauses (1) through (6) constituting ABL Priority Collateral but, in each case, excluding any Intellectual Property); and

(8) all collateral security and guarantees with respect to any of the foregoing constituting ABL Priority Collateral and all cash, Money, cash equivalents, insurance proceeds, Instruments, Securities and Financial Assets received as proceeds of any of the foregoing constituting ABL Priority Collateral (such proceeds, “ABL Priority Proceeds”); provided, however, that no proceeds of ABL Priority Proceeds will constitute ABL Priority Collateral unless such proceeds of ABL Priority Proceeds would otherwise constitute ABL Priority Collateral.

ABL Recovery” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

ABL Secured Parties” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement.

 

   5    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

Agent(s)” means individually the ABL Agent or the Term Agent and collectively means both the ABL Agent and the Term Agent.

Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement.

Asset Sale Proceeds Pledged Account” shall mean an account held at, and subject to the sole dominion and control of, the Term Agent in which the proceeds from any disposition of Term Priority Collateral is held pending reinvestment pursuant to the Term Credit Agreement.

Bank of America” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement.

Bankruptcy Code” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code, as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto.

Borrower” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement.

Business Day” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed (or are in fact closed).

Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability in accordance with GAAP.

Cash Management Services” means any agreement or arrangement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit card processing, credit or debit card, purchase card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements.

Collateral” shall mean all Property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any Guarantor in or upon which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted to any ABL Agent or any Term Agent under any of the ABL Collateral Documents or the Term Collateral Documents, together with all rents, issues, profits, products and Proceeds thereof.

Control” shall have the meaning specified in the definition of “Affiliate”.

Control Collateral” shall mean any Collateral consisting of any Certificated Security (as defined in Section 8-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code), Investment Property, Deposit Account, Instruments and any other Collateral as to which a Lien may be perfected through possession or control by the secured party, or any agent therefor.

 

   6    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Copyright Licenses” shall mean any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting any right to any third party under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any Credit Party or that such Credit Party otherwise has the right to license, or granting any right to any Credit Party under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of such Credit Party under any such agreement.

Copyrights” shall mean all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by or assigned to any Credit Party: (a) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States or any other country, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, whether registered or unregistered and whether published or unpublished, (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such copyright in the United States or any other country, including registrations, recordings, supplemental registrations and pending applications for registration in the United States Copyright Office, including those listed on the applicable schedule to the Perfection Certificate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) and all: (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable law with respect to such Credit Party’s use of such copyrights, (ii) reissues, renewals and extensions thereof and amendments thereto, (iii) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable with respect thereto, including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (iv) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (v) rights to sue for past, present or future infringements thereof.

Credit Documents” shall mean the ABL Documents and the Term Documents.

Credit Parties” shall mean the ABL Credit Parties and the Term Credit Parties.

Debtor Relief Laws” shall mean the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

DIP Financing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

Discharge of ABL Obligations” shall mean (a) the payment in full in cash of all outstanding ABL Obligations excluding contingent indemnity obligations with respect to then unasserted claims but including, with respect to amounts available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit issued under any ABL Credit Agreement (or indemnities or other undertakings issued pursuant thereto in respect of outstanding letters of credit), the cancellation of such letters of credit or the delivery or provision of cash collateral or backstop letters of credit in respect thereof in compliance with the terms of any ABL Credit Agreement (which shall not exceed an amount equal to 101% of the aggregate undrawn amount of such letters of credit) and (b) the termination of all commitments to extend credit under the ABL Documents.

 

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Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Discharge of Term Obligations” shall mean the payment in full in cash of all outstanding Term Obligations (other than contingent indemnity obligations with respect to then unasserted claims).

Domain Names” shall mean all Internet domain names and associated URL addresses in or to which any Credit Party now or hereafter has any right, title or interest.

Domestic Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

Enforcement Notice” shall mean a written notice delivered by either the ABL Agent or the Term Agent to the other announcing that an Enforcement Period has commenced.

Enforcement Period” shall mean the period of time following the receipt by either the ABL Agent or the Term Agent of an Enforcement Notice from the other and continuing until the earliest of (a) in the case of an Enforcement Period commenced by the Term Agent, the Discharge of Term Obligations, (b) in the case of an Enforcement Period commenced by the ABL Agent, the Discharge of ABL Obligations, or (c) the ABL Agent or the Term Agent (as applicable) terminates, or agrees in writing to terminate, the Enforcement Period.

Equipment” shall mean (x) any “equipment” as such term is defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, and in any event, shall include, but shall not be limited to, all machinery, equipment, furnishings, appliances, furniture, fixtures, tools, and vehicles now or hereafter owned by any Credit Party in each case, regardless of whether characterized as equipment under the Uniform Commercial Code (but excluding any such items which constitute Inventory), and (y) any and all additions, substitutions and replacements of any of the foregoing and all accessions thereto, wherever located, whether or not at any time of determination incorporated or installed therein or attached thereto, and all replacements therefore, together with all attachments, components, parts, equipment and accessories installed thereon or affixed thereto.

Equity Interest” shall mean, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).

Event of Default” shall mean an “Event of Default” or similar term under and as defined in any ABL Credit Agreement or any Term Credit Agreement, as applicable.

Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) with respect to ABL Guarantors, any “Excluded Subsidiary” or similar term under and as defined in any ABL Credit Agreement and (b) with respect to the Term Guarantors, any “Excluded Subsidiary” or similar term under and as defined in any Term Credit Agreement.

 

   8    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies” or “Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies” shall mean, except as otherwise provided in the final sentence of this definition:

(b) the taking by any Secured Party of any action to enforce or realize upon any Lien, including the institution of any foreclosure proceedings or the noticing of any public or private sale pursuant to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law;

(c) the exercise by any Secured Party of any right or remedy provided to a secured creditor on account of a Lien under any of the Credit Documents, under applicable law, in an Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise, including the election to retain any of the Collateral in satisfaction of a Lien;

(d) the taking of any action by any Secured Party or the exercise of any right or remedy by any Secured Party in respect of the collection on, set off against, marshaling of, injunction respecting or foreclosure on the Collateral or the Proceeds thereof;

(e) the appointment on the application of a Secured Party, of a receiver, receiver and manager or interim receiver of all or part of the Collateral;

(f) the sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or any portion of the Collateral by private or public sale conducted by any Secured Party or any other means at the direction of any Secured Party permissible under applicable law;

(g) the exercise of any other right of a secured creditor under Part 6 of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or under provisions of similar effect under other applicable law; and

(h) the exercise by any Secured Party of any voting rights relating to any Equity Interest included in the Collateral.

For the avoidance of doubt, none of the following shall be deemed to constitute an Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies: (i) the filing of a proof of claim in any Insolvency Proceeding or the seeking of adequate protection, (ii) the exercise of rights by the ABL Agent upon the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event (as defined in any ABL Credit Agreement), including, without limitation, the notification of account debtors, depository institutions or any other Person to deliver proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral to the ABL Agent, (iii) the consent by the ABL Agent to a store closing sale, going out of business sale or other disposition by any Credit Party of any of the ABL Priority Collateral, (iv) the reduction of advance rates or sub-limits by the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders, or (v) the imposition of Reserves (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) by the ABL Agent.

Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

GAAP” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the Term Credit Agreement.

Governmental Authority” shall mean the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

 

   9    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Guarantor” shall mean any of the ABL Guarantors or Term Guarantors.

Holdings” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement.

Indebtedness” shall have the meaning provided in the ABL Credit Agreement and the Term Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.

Insolvency Proceeding” shall mean (a) any case, action or proceeding before any court or other Governmental Authority relating to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, receivership, dissolution, winding-up or relief of debtors, or (b) any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, composition, marshalling of assets for creditors or other similar arrangement in respect of a Person’s creditors generally or any substantial portion of a Person’s creditors; in each case covered by clauses (a) and (b) undertaken under any Debtor Relief Laws.

Intellectual Property” shall mean all intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature now owned, licensed or hereafter acquired by any Credit Party that is subject to a security interest under any ABL Documents and any Term Documents, including inventions, designs, Patents, Copyrights, Licenses, Trademarks, Domain Names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know how, show how or other data or information, software, databases, all other proprietary information and all embodiments or fixations thereof and related documentation and registrations and all additions, improvements and accessions to, and books and records describing or used in connection with, any of the foregoing.

Intellectual Property Collateral” shall mean Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property.

Lenders” means, collectively, all of the ABL Lenders and the Term Lenders.

License” shall mean any Patent License, Trademark License, Copyright License, or other license or sublicense agreement granting rights under Intellectual Property to which any Credit Party is a party.

Lien” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing); provided that in no event shall an operating lease in and of itself be deemed a Lien.

Lien Priority” shall mean with respect to any Lien of the ABL Secured Parties or the Term Secured Parties in the Collateral, the order of priority of such Lien as specified in Section 2.1.

 

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Other Liabilities” means ABL Cash Management Obligations and Obligations (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) in respect of any ABL Hedging Agreement.

Party” shall mean the ABL Agent or the Term Agent, and “Parties” shall mean both the ABL Agent and the Term Agent.

Patent License” shall mean any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to develop, commercialize, import, make, have made, offer for sale, use or sell any invention on which a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any Credit Party or that any Credit Party otherwise has the right to license, is in existence, or granting to any Credit Party any such right with respect to any invention on which a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any third party, is in existence, and all rights of any Credit Party under any such agreement.

Patents” shall mean all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Credit Party: (a) all letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, including registrations, recordings and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any other country, including those listed on the applicable schedule to the Perfection Certificate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement), and (b) all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable law with respect to such Credit Party’s use of any patents, (ii) inventions and improvements described and claimed therein, (iii) reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions and continuations-in-part thereof and amendments thereto, (iv) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable respect to any of the foregoing, including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (v) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (vi) rights to sue for past, present or future infringements thereof.

Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt” shall mean any “Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt” as defined in the Term Credit Agreement.

Permitted Refinancing” shall mean any “Permitted Refinancing” as defined in the Term Credit Agreement.

Person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Priority Collateral” shall mean the ABL Priority Collateral or the Term Priority Collateral, as applicable.

Proceeds” shall mean (a) all “proceeds,” as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, with respect to the Collateral, and (b) whatever is recoverable or recovered when any Collateral is sold, exchanged, collected, or disposed of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

Property” shall mean any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

 

   11    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Purchase Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a).

Purchase Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a).

Purchase Option Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a).

Purchasing Creditors” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a).

Real Property” shall mean any right, title or interest in and to real property, including any fee interest, leasehold interest, easement, or license and any other right to use or occupy real property.

Replacement Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(d).

Restricted Subsidiary” means (a) with respect to ABL Guarantors, any “Restricted Subsidiary” under and as defined in any ABL Credit Agreement and (b) with respect to the Term Guarantors, any “Restricted Subsidiary” under and as defined in any Term Credit Agreement.

Secured Parties” shall mean the ABL Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties.

Security” shall mean any “security” as such term is defined in Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code, any stock, shares, partnership interests, voting trust certificates, certificates of interest or participation in any profit sharing agreement or arrangement, options, warrants, bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as “securities” or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in temporary or interim certificates for the purchase or acquisition of, or any right to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

Subsidiary” of a Person shall mean a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, charitable foundations) of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.

Swap Contract” has the meaning set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement.

Term Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement and shall include any successor thereto as well as any Person designated as the “Agent”, “Administrative Agent”, “Collateral Agent”, “Trustee”, “Collateral Trustee” or similar term under any Term Credit Agreement.

Term Cash Management Affiliate” shall mean any Term Cash Management Bank that is owed Term Cash Management Obligations by a Term Credit Party and which Term Cash Management Obligations are secured by one or more Term Collateral Documents, together with their respective successors, assigns and transferees.

 

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Term Cash Management Bank” means any Person that is a Term Lender or an Affiliate of a Term Lender at the time it provides any Cash Management Services, whether or not such Person subsequently ceases to be a Term Lender or an Affiliate of a Term Lender.

Term Cash Management Obligations” means obligations owed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Term Cash Management Bank in respect of or in connection with any Cash Management Services and designated under the Term Credit Agreement by the Term Cash Management Bank and the Borrower in writing to the Term Agent as “Cash Management Obligations”.

Term Cash Proceeds Notice” shall mean a written notice delivered by the Term Agent to the ABL Agent (a) stating that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any Term Document and specifying the relevant Event of Default and (b) stating that certain cash proceeds which may be deposited in an ABL Deposit and Securities Account constitute Term Priority Collateral, and reasonably identifying the amount of such proceeds and specifying the origin thereof.

Term Collateral Documents” shall mean all “Collateral Documents” or similar term as defined in any Term Credit Agreement, and all other security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust and other collateral documents executed and delivered in connection with any Term Credit Agreement, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Term Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the recitals to this Agreement and shall include any one or more other agreements, indentures or facilities extending the maturity of, consolidating, restructuring, refunding, replacing or refinancing all or any portion of the Term Obligations, whether by the same or any other agent, trustee, lender, group of lenders, creditor or group of creditors and whether or not increasing the amount of any Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder.

Term Credit Parties” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the recitals to this Agreement.

Term Documents” shall mean any Term Credit Agreement, any Term Guaranty, any Term Collateral Document, any Cash Management Services between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Term Cash Management Affiliate, any Term Hedging Agreements between any Term Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Term Hedging Affiliate, any other ancillary agreement as to which any Term Secured Party is a party or a beneficiary and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Term Credit Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and delivered to the Term Agent or any other Term Secured Party, in connection with any of the foregoing or any Term Credit Agreement, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Term Guarantors” shall mean the collective reference to (i) Holdings and each wholly owned Material Domestic Subsidiary (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) of the Borrower, other than any Excluded Subsidiary and (ii) any other Person who becomes a guarantor under any Term Guaranty. The term “Term Guarantors” shall include all “Guarantors” under and as defined in the Term Credit Agreement.

 

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Term Guaranty” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the recitals to this Agreement and shall also include any other guaranty made by a Term Guarantor guaranteeing, inter alia, the payment and performance of any Term Obligations.

Term Hedge Bank” shall mean any Person that is an Agent, a Lender or a Joint Bookrunner under the Term Credit Agreement or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing on the Closing Date or at the time it enters into a Term Hedging Agreement, in its capacity as a party thereto, whether or not such Person subsequently ceases to be an Agent, a Lender or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing.

Term Hedging Affiliate” shall mean any Term Hedge Bank that has entered into a Term Hedging Agreement with a Term Credit Party or Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, with the obligations of such Term Credit Party or Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, thereunder being secured by one or more Term Collateral Documents, together with their respective successors, assigns and transferees (even if such Term Hedge Bank subsequently ceases to be an agent or lender, as applicable, under the Term Credit Agreement for any reason).

Term Hedging Agreement” means any “Secured Hedge Agreement” as defined in the Term Credit Agreement.

Term Lenders” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement, as well as any Person designated as a “Lender” or similar term under any Term Credit Agreement.

Term Loan Priority Accounts” means the Asset Sale Proceeds Pledged Account and any Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts or Commodity Accounts, in each case that are intended to solely contain Term Priority Collateral or identifiable proceeds of the Term Priority Collateral (it being understood that any property in such Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts or Commodities Accounts which is not Term Priority Collateral or identifiable proceeds of Term Priority Collateral shall not be Term Priority Collateral solely by virtue of being on deposit in any such Deposit Account, Securities Account or Commodity Account).

Term Obligations” shall mean any and all obligations of every nature of each Term Credit Party from time to time owed to the Term Secured Parties or any of them, under, in connection with, or evidenced or secured by any Term Document, including, without limitation, all “Obligations” or similar term as defined in any Term Credit Agreement and whether for principal, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to such Term Credit Party, would have accrued on any Term Obligation, whether or not a claim is allowed against such Term Credit Party for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), payments for early termination of Term Hedging Agreements, fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, and all other amounts owing or due under the terms of any Term Document, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

 

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Term Priority Collateral” shall mean all Collateral consisting of the following (including for the avoidance of doubt, any such assets that, but for the application of Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any foreign Debtor Relief Laws) would be Term Priority Collateral):

(1) all Equipment, Fixtures, Real Property, Intellectual Property, intercompany indebtedness between or among the Credit Parties or their Affiliates, except to the extent constituting ABL Priority Collateral, and Investment Property (other than any Investment Property described in clauses 3(y) and 8 of the definition of ABL Priority Collateral);

(2) except to the extent constituting ABL Priority Collateral, all Instruments, Commercial Tort Claims, Documents and General Intangibles;

(3) Term Loan Priority Accounts; provided, however, that to the extent that identifiable proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral are deposited in any such Term Loan Priority Accounts, such identifiable proceeds shall be treated as ABL Priority Collateral;

(4) all other Collateral, other than the ABL Priority Collateral (including ABL Priority Proceeds); and

(5) all collateral security and guarantees with respect to the foregoing, and all cash, Money, insurance proceeds, Instruments, Securities and Financial Assets received as proceeds of any Collateral, other than the ABL Priority Collateral (including ABL Priority Proceeds) (such proceeds, “Term Priority Proceeds”); provided, however, that no proceeds of Term Priority Proceeds will constitute Term Priority Collateral unless such proceeds of Term Priority Proceeds would otherwise constitute Term Priority Collateral.

Term Recovery” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).

Term Secured Parties” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement.

Trademark License” shall mean any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any Credit Party or that any Credit Party otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Credit Party any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of any Credit Party under any such agreement (not including vendor or distribution agreements that allow incidental use of intellectual property rights in connection with the sale or distribution of such products or services).

Trademarks” shall mean all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Credit Party: (a) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, the goodwill of the business symbolized thereby or associated therewith, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all

 

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registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any State of the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, and all extensions or renewals thereof, including those listed on the applicable schedule to the Perfection Certificate (as defined in the Term Credit Agreement) (b) any and all rights and privileges arising under applicable law with respect to such Credit Party’s use of any trademarks, (c) all extensions and renewals thereof and amendments thereto, (d) all income, fees, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable with respect to any of the foregoing, including damages, claims and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (e) all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (f) all rights to sue for past, present and future infringements or dilution thereof or other injuries thereto.

Uniform Commercial Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided that, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, perfection, or the effect of perfection or non perfection or the priority of a security interest in any Collateral or the availability of any remedy hereunder is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than New York, “Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or effect of perfection or non perfection or priority or availability of such remedy, as the case may be.

Use Period” means the period commencing on the date that the ABL Agent or an agent acting on its behalf (or an ABL Credit Party acting with the consent of the ABL Agent) commences the liquidation and sale of the ABL Priority Collateral in a manner as provided in Section 3.6 (having theretofore furnished the Term Agent with an Enforcement Notice) and ending 180 days thereafter. If any stay or other order that prohibits any of the ABL Agent, the other ABL Secured Parties or any ABL Credit Party (with the consent of the ABL Agent) from commencing and continuing to Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies or from liquidating and selling the ABL Priority Collateral has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, such 180-day period shall be tolled during the pendency of any such stay or other order and the Use Period shall be so extended.

Section 1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the term “including” is not limiting and shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation,” and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.” The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. Article, section, subsection, clause, schedule and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. Any reference in this Agreement to any agreement, instrument, or document shall include all alterations, amendments, changes, restatements, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements thereto and thereof, as applicable (subject to any restrictions on such alterations, amendments, changes, restatements, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements set forth herein). Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns. Any reference herein to the repayment in full of an obligation shall mean the payment in full in cash of such obligation, or in such other manner as may be approved in writing by the requisite holders or representatives in respect of such obligation.

 

 

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ARTICLE 2

LIEN PRIORITY

Section 2.1 Priority of Liens.

(a) Subject to the provisos in subclauses (b) and (c) of Section 4.1, notwithstanding (i) the date, time, method, manner, or order of grant, attachment or perfection (including any defect or deficiency or alleged defect or deficiency in any of the foregoing) of any Liens granted to the ABL Secured Parties in respect of all or any portion of the Collateral or of any Liens granted to the Term Secured Parties in respect of all or any portion of the Collateral and regardless of how any such Lien was acquired (whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise), (ii) the order or time of filing or recordation of any document or instrument for perfecting the Liens in favor of the ABL Agent or the Term Agent (or ABL Secured Parties or Term Secured Parties) in any Collateral, (iii) any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code, Debtor Relief Laws or any other applicable law, or of the ABL Documents or the Term Documents, (iv) whether the ABL Agent or the Term Agent, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Collateral, (v) the date on which the ABL Obligations or the Term Obligations are advanced or made available to the Credit Parties, (vi) the fact that any such Liens in favor of the ABL Agent or the ABL Lenders or the Term Agent or the Term Lenders securing any of the ABL Obligations or Term Obligations, respectively, are (x) subordinated to any Lien securing any obligation of any Credit Party other than the Term Obligations or the ABL Obligations, respectively, or (y) otherwise subordinated, voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed, or (vii) any other circumstance of any kind or nature whatsoever, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, and the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, hereby agree that:

(1) any Lien in respect of all or any portion of the ABL Priority Collateral now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party that secures all or any portion of the Term Obligations shall in all respects be junior and subordinate to all Liens granted to the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties in such ABL Priority Collateral to secure all or any portion of the ABL Obligations;

(2) any Lien in respect of all or any portion of the ABL Priority Collateral now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party that secures all or any portion of the ABL Obligations shall in all respects be senior and prior to all Liens granted to the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party in such ABL Priority Collateral to secure all or any portion of the Term Obligations;

(3) any Lien in respect of all or any portion of the Term Priority Collateral now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party that secures all or any portion of the ABL Obligations shall in all respects be junior and subordinate to all Liens granted to the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties in such Term Priority Collateral to secure all or any portion of the Term Obligations; and

 

 

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(4) any Lien in respect of all or any portion of the Term Priority Collateral now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party that secures all or any portion of the Term Obligations shall in all respects be senior and prior to all Liens granted to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party in such Term Priority Collateral to secure all or any portion of the ABL Obligations.

(b) Notwithstanding any failure by any ABL Secured Party or Term Secured Party to perfect its security interests in the Collateral or any avoidance, invalidation, priming or subordination by any third party or court of competent jurisdiction of the security interests in the Collateral granted to the ABL Secured Parties or the Term Secured Parties (but, for the avoidance of doubt, subject to the provisos in subclauses (b) and (c) of Section 4.1), the priority and rights as between the ABL Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral shall be as set forth herein.

(c) The Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that, concurrently herewith, the ABL Agent, for the benefit of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, has been, or may be, granted Liens upon all of the Collateral in which the Term Agent has been granted Liens and the Term Agent hereby consents thereto. The ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that, concurrently herewith, the Term Agent, for the benefit of itself and the Term Secured Parties, has been, or may be, granted Liens upon all of the Collateral in which the ABL Agent has been granted Liens and the ABL Agent hereby consents thereto. The subordination of Liens by the Term Agent and the ABL Agent in favor of one another as set forth herein shall not be deemed to subordinate the Term Agent’s Liens or the ABL Agent’s Liens to the Liens of any other Person, nor shall such subordination be affected by the subordination of such Liens to any Lien of any other Person.

Section 2.2 Waiver of Right to Contest Liens.

(a) The Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that it and they shall not (and hereby waives any right to) take any action to contest or challenge (or assist or support any other Person in contesting or challenging), directly or indirectly, whether or not in any proceeding (including in any Insolvency Proceeding), the validity, priority, enforceability, or perfection of the Liens of the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties in respect of the Collateral or the provisions of this Agreement. The Term Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Term Secured Parties, agrees that none of the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties will take any action that would interfere with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies undertaken by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party under the ABL Documents with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral. The Term Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Term Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights it or the Term Secured Parties may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to contest, protest, object to, or interfere with the manner in which the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender seeks to enforce its Liens in any ABL Priority Collateral. The foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit the Term Agent from enforcing the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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(b) The ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that it and they shall not (and hereby waives any right to) take any action to contest or challenge (or assist or support any other Person in contesting or challenging), directly or indirectly, whether or not in any proceeding (including in any Insolvency Proceeding), the validity, priority, enforceability, or perfection of the Liens of the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties in respect of the Collateral or the provisions of this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement, the ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that none of the ABL Agent or the ABL Secured Parties will take any action that would interfere with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies undertaken by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party under the Term Documents with respect to the Term Priority Collateral. The ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights it or the ABL Secured Parties may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to contest, protest, object to, or interfere with the manner in which the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party seeks to enforce its Liens in any Term Priority Collateral. The foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit the ABL Agent from enforcing the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 2.3 Remedies Standstill.

(a) The Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that, from the date hereof until the date upon which the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall have occurred, neither the Term Agent nor any Term Secured Party will Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any of the ABL Priority Collateral without the written consent of the ABL Agent, and will not take, receive or accept any Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral, it being understood and agreed that the temporary deposit of Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral in a Deposit Account controlled by the Term Agent shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement so long as such Proceeds are promptly (but in no event later than five Business Days after receipt) remitted to the ABL Agent. From and after the date upon which the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall have occurred (or prior thereto upon obtaining the written consent of the ABL Agent), the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party may Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies under the Term Documents or applicable law as to any ABL Priority Collateral; provided, however, that any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Collateral by the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties is at all times subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

(b) The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that, from the date hereof until the date upon which the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred, neither the ABL Agent nor any ABL Secured Party will Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Term Priority Collateral without the written consent of the Term Agent, and will not take, receive or accept any Proceeds of the Term Priority Collateral, it being understood and agreed that the temporary deposit of Proceeds of Term Priority Collateral in a Deposit Account controlled by the ABL Agent shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement so long as such Proceeds are promptly (but in no event later than five Business Days after receipt) remitted to the Term Agent. From and after the date upon which the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred (or prior thereto upon obtaining the written consent of the Term Agent), the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party may Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies under the ABL Documents or applicable law as to any Term Priority Collateral; provided, however, that any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Collateral by the ABL Agent or the ABL Secured Parties is at all times subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2.3(a), 2.3(b) or any other provision of this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent any Agent or any Secured Party from (i) filing a claim or statement of interest with respect to the ABL Obligations or Term Obligations owed to it in any Insolvency Proceeding commenced by or against any Credit Party, (ii) taking any action (not adverse to the priority status of the Liens of the other Agent or other Secured Parties on the Collateral in which such other Agent or other Secured Party has a priority Lien or the rights of the other Agent or any of the other Secured Parties to Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce its Lien) on any Collateral, (iii) filing any necessary or responsive pleadings in opposition to any motion, adversary proceeding or other pleading filed by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking disallowance of the claim or Lien of such Agent or Secured Party or (iv) voting on any plan of reorganization or file any proof of claim in any Insolvency Proceeding of any Credit Party, in each case (i) through (iv) above to the extent not inconsistent with the express terms of this Agreement.

Section 2.4 Exercise of Rights.

(a) No Other Restrictions. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Term Secured Party and each ABL Secured Party shall have any and all rights and remedies it may have as a creditor under applicable law, including the right to the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies; provided, however, that the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Collateral shall be subject to the Lien Priority and to the provisions of this Agreement. The ABL Agent may enforce the provisions of the ABL Documents, the Term Agent may enforce the provisions of the Term Documents and each may Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies, all in such order and in such manner as each may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and mandatory provisions of applicable law; provided, however, that each of the ABL Agent and the Term Agent agrees to provide to the other (x) an Enforcement Notice prior to the commencement of an Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies and (y) copies of any notices that it is required under applicable law to deliver to any Credit Party; provided further, however, that the ABL Agent’s failure to provide the Enforcement Notice (other than in connection with Section 3.6) or any such copies to the Term Agent shall not impair any of the ABL Agent’s rights hereunder or under any of the ABL Documents and the Term Agent’s failure to provide the Enforcement Notice or any such copies to the ABL Agent shall not impair any of the Term Agent’s rights hereunder or under any of the Term Documents. Each of the Term Agent, each Term Secured Party, the ABL Agent and each ABL Secured Party agrees that it will not institute any suit or other proceeding or assert in any suit, Insolvency Proceeding or other proceeding any claim, in the case of the Term Agent and each Term Secured Party, against either the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party, and in the case of the ABL Agent and each other ABL Secured Party, against either the Term Agent or any other Term Secured Party, seeking damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions or otherwise, with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by such Person with respect to the Collateral which is consistent with the terms of this Agreement, and none of such Parties shall be liable for any such action taken or omitted to be taken.

 

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(b) Release of Liens.

(i) In the event of (A) any private or public sale of all or any portion of the ABL Priority Collateral in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by or with the consent of the ABL Agent (other than in connection with a refinancing as described in Section 5.2(c)), or (B) any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or any portion of the ABL Priority Collateral (other than in connection with a refinancing as described in Section 5.2(c)), so long as such sale, transfer or other disposition is then permitted by the ABL Documents or consented to by the requisite ABL Lenders, irrespective of whether an Event of Default has occurred, the Term Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties that, so long as the Term Agent, for the benefit of the Term Secured Parties, shall retain a Lien on the proceeds of such sale, transfer or other disposition (to the extent that such proceeds are not applied to the ABL Obligations as provided in Section 4.1(b) hereof), such sale, transfer or other disposition will be free and clear of the Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral (but not the proceeds thereof) securing the Term Obligations, and the Term Agent’s and the Term Secured Parties’ Liens with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral (but not the proceeds thereof) so sold, transferred, or disposed shall terminate and be automatically released without further action concurrently with, and to the same extent as, the release of the ABL Secured Parties’ Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral. In furtherance of, and subject to, the foregoing, the Term Agent agrees that it will promptly execute any and all Lien releases or other documents reasonably requested by the ABL Agent in connection therewith. The Term Agent hereby appoints the ABL Agent and any officer or duly authorized person of the ABL Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power of attorney in the place and stead of the Term Agent and in the name of the Term Agent or in the ABL Agent’s own name, from time to time, in the ABL Agent’s sole discretion, for the purposes of carrying out the terms of this paragraph, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this paragraph, including any financing statements, endorsements, assignments, releases or other documents or instruments of transfer (which appointment, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable).

(ii) In the event of (A) any private or public sale of all or any portion of the Term Priority Collateral in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by or with the consent of the Term Agent (other than in connection with a refinancing as described in Section 5.2(c)), or (B) any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or any portion of the Term Priority Collateral (other than in connection with a refinancing as described in Section 5.2(c)), so long as such sale, transfer or other disposition is then permitted by the Term Documents or consented to by the requisite Term Lenders, irrespective of whether an Event of Default has occurred, the ABL Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties that, so long as the ABL Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, shall retain a Lien on the proceeds of such sale, transfer or other disposition (to the extent that such proceeds are not applied to the Term Obligations as provided in Section 4.1(c) hereof), such sale, transfer or disposition will be free and clear of the Liens on such Term Priority Collateral (but not the proceeds thereof) securing the ABL Obligations and the ABL Agent’s and the ABL Secured Parties’ Liens with respect to the Term Priority Collateral (but not the proceeds thereof) so sold, transferred, or disposed shall terminate and be automatically released without further action concurrently with, and to the same extent as, the release of the Term Secured Parties’ Liens on such Term Priority Collateral. In furtherance of, and subject to, the foregoing, the ABL Agent agrees that it will

 

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promptly execute any and all Lien releases or other documents reasonably requested by the Term Agent in connection therewith. The ABL Agent hereby appoints the Term Agent and any officer or duly authorized person of the Term Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power of attorney in the place and stead of the ABL Agent and in the name of the ABL Agent or in the Term Agent’s own name, from time to time, in the Term Agent’s sole discretion, for the purposes of carrying out the terms of this paragraph, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this paragraph, including any financing statements, endorsements, assignments, releases or other documents or instruments of transfer (which appointment, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable).

Section 2.5 No New Liens.

(a) It is the anticipation of the parties, that until the date upon which the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall have occurred, no Term Secured Party shall acquire or hold any consensual Lien on any assets securing any Term Obligation which assets are not also subject to the Lien of the ABL Agent under the ABL Documents. If any Term Secured Party shall (nonetheless and in breach hereof) acquire or hold any Lien on any assets of any Credit Party securing any Term Obligation which assets are not also subject to the Lien of the ABL Agent under the ABL Documents, then the Term Agent (or the relevant Term Secured Party) shall, without the need for any further consent of any other Term Secured Party, the Borrower or any Term Guarantor and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other Term Document, be deemed to also hold and have held such Lien as agent or bailee for the benefit of the ABL Agent as security for the ABL Obligations (subject to the Lien Priority and other terms hereof) and shall promptly notify the ABL Agent in writing of the existence of such Lien upon becoming aware thereof.

(b) It is the anticipation of the parties, that until the date upon which the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred, no ABL Secured Party shall acquire or hold any consensual Lien on any assets securing any ABL Obligation which assets are not also subject to the Lien of the Term Agent under the Term Documents. If any ABL Secured Party shall (nonetheless and in breach hereof) acquire or hold any Lien on any assets of any Credit Party securing any ABL Obligation which assets are not also subject to the Lien of the Term Agent under the Term Documents, then the ABL Agent (or the relevant ABL Secured Party) shall, without the need for any further consent of any other ABL Secured Party, the Borrower or any ABL Guarantor and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other ABL Document be deemed to also hold and have held such Lien as agent or bailee for the benefit of the Term Agent as security for the Term Obligations (subject to the Lien Priority and other terms hereof) and shall promptly notify the Term Agent in writing of the existence of such Lien upon becoming aware thereof.

Section 2.6 Waiver of Marshalling.

(a) Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations, the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.

 

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(b) Until the Discharge of Term Obligations, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the Term Priority Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.

ARTICLE 3

ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES

Section 3.1 Certain Actions Permitted. The Term Agent and the ABL Agent may make such demands or file such claims in respect of the Term Obligations or the ABL Obligations, as applicable, as are necessary to prevent the waiver or bar of such claims under applicable statutes of limitations or other statutes, court orders, or rules of procedure at any time. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party of the required payments of interest, principal and other amounts owed in respect of the Term Obligations so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including set-off) with respect to ABL Priority Collateral or enforcement in contravention of this Agreement of any Lien held by any of them. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party of the required payments of interest, principal and other amounts owed in respect of the ABL Obligations so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including set-off) with respect to Term Priority Collateral or enforcement in contravention of this Agreement of any Lien held by any of them.

Section 3.2 Agent for Perfection. The ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and each ABL Secured Party, and the Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and each Term Secured Party, as applicable, each agree to hold all Collateral in their respective possession, custody, or control (including as defined in Sections 9-104, 9-105, 9-106, 9-107 and 8-106 of the UCC) (or in the possession, custody, or control of agents or bailees for either) as gratuitous bailee for the other solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted to each in such Collateral, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 3.2. None of the ABL Agent, the ABL Secured Parties, the Term Agent, or the Term Secured Parties, as applicable, shall have any obligation whatsoever to the others to assure that the Collateral is genuine or owned by the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other Person or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person. The duties or responsibilities of the ABL Agent and the Term Agent under this Section 3.2 are and shall be limited solely to holding or maintaining control of the Control Collateral as gratuitous bailee for the other Party for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Term Agent or the ABL Agent, as applicable. The ABL Agent is not and shall not be deemed to be a fiduciary of any kind for the Term Secured Parties or any other Person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the ABL Secured Parties shall not be obligated to see to the application of any Proceeds of the Term Priority Collateral deposited into any Deposit Account or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof. The Term Agent is not and shall not

 

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be deemed to be a fiduciary of any kind for the ABL Secured Parties, or any other Person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Term Secured Parties shall not be obligated to see to the application of any Proceeds of the ABL Priority Collateral deposited into any Deposit Account or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof. In addition, the Term Agent, on behalf of the Term Secured Parties, hereby agrees and acknowledges that other than with respect to ABL Priority Collateral that may be perfected through the filing of a UCC financing statement, the ABL Agent’s Liens may be perfected on certain items of ABL Priority Collateral with respect to which the Term Agent’s Liens would not be perfected but for the provisions of this Section 3.2, and the Term Agent, on behalf of the Term Secured Parties, hereby further agrees that the foregoing described in this sentence shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement.

Section 3.3 Sharing of Information and Access. In the event that the ABL Agent shall, in the exercise of its rights under the ABL Collateral Documents or otherwise, receive possession or control of any books and records of any Term Credit Party which contain information identifying or pertaining to the Term Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent shall, upon request from the Term Agent and as promptly as practicable thereafter, either make available to the Term Agent such books and records for inspection and duplication or provide to the Term Agent copies thereof. In the event that the Term Agent shall, in the exercise of its rights under the Term Collateral Documents or otherwise, receive possession or control of any books and records of any ABL Credit Party which contain information identifying or pertaining to any of the ABL Priority Collateral, the Term Agent shall, upon request from the ABL Agent and as promptly as practicable thereafter, either make available to the ABL Agent such books and records for inspection and duplication or provide the ABL Agent copies thereof.

Section 3.4 Insurance. Proceeds of Collateral include insurance proceeds and, therefore, the Lien Priority shall govern the ultimate disposition of casualty insurance proceeds. The ABL Agent and the Term Agent shall each be named as additional insured or loss payee, as applicable, with respect to all insurance policies relating to the Collateral as set forth in the Term Credit Agreement or the ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable. The ABL Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right, as against the Term Agent, to adjust settlement of insurance claims in the event of any covered loss, theft or destruction of ABL Priority Collateral. The Term Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right, as against the ABL Agent, to adjust settlement of insurance claims in the event of any covered loss, theft or destruction of Term Priority Collateral. If any insurance claim includes both ABL Priority Collateral and Term Priority Collateral, the insurer will not settle such claim separately with respect to ABL Priority Collateral and Term Priority Collateral, and if the Parties are unable after negotiating in good faith to agree on the settlement for such claim, either Party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to make a determination as to the settlement of such claim, and the court’s determination shall be binding upon the Parties. All proceeds of such insurance shall be remitted to the ABL Agent or the Term Agent, as the case may be, and each of the Term Agent and ABL Agent shall cooperate (if necessary) in a reasonable manner in effecting the payment of insurance proceeds in accordance with Section 4.1 hereof.

Section 3.5 No Additional Rights For the Credit Parties Hereunder. Except as provided in Section 3.6, if any ABL Secured Party or Term Secured Party shall enforce its rights or remedies in violation of the terms of this Agreement, the Credit Parties shall not be entitled to use such violation as a defense to any action by any ABL Secured Party or Term Secured Party, nor to assert such violation as a counterclaim or basis for set off or recoupment against any ABL Secured Party or Term Secured Party.

 

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Section 3.6 Inspection and Access Rights. (a) Without limiting any rights the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party may otherwise have under applicable law or by agreement, in the event of any liquidation of the ABL Priority Collateral (or any other Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies by the ABL Agent) and whether or not the Term Agent or any other Term Secured Party has commenced and is continuing to Exercise Any Secured Creditor Remedies of the Term Agent, the ABL Agent or any other Person (including any ABL Credit Party) acting with the consent, or on behalf, of the ABL Agent, shall have the right (a) during the Use Period during normal business hours on any Business Day, to access ABL Priority Collateral that (i) is stored or located in or on, (ii) has become an accession with respect to (within the meaning of Section 9-335 of the Uniform Commercial Code), or (iii) has been commingled with (within the meaning of Section 9-336 of the Uniform Commercial Code) Term Priority Collateral (collectively, the “ABL Joint Collateral”), and (b) during the Use Period, shall have the irrevocable right to use the Term Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, Equipment, Fixtures, Intellectual Property, General Intangibles and Real Property) on a rent-free, royalty-free basis, each of the foregoing solely for the limited purposes of assembling, inspecting, copying or downloading information stored on, taking actions to perfect its Lien on, completing a production run of Inventory involving, taking possession of, moving, preparing and advertising for sale, selling (by public auction, private sale or a “store closing”, “going out of business” or similar sale, whether in bulk, in lots or to customers in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and which sale may include augmented Inventory of the same type sold in any ABL Credit Party’s business), storing or otherwise dealing with the ABL Priority Collateral, in each case without notice to, the involvement of or interference by any Term Secured Party or liability to any Term Secured Party; provided, however, that the expiration of the Use Period shall be without prejudice to the sale or other disposition of the ABL Priority Collateral in accordance with this Agreement and applicable law. In the event that any ABL Secured Party has commenced and is continuing the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any ABL Joint Collateral or any other sale or liquidation of the ABL Joint Collateral has been commenced by an ABL Credit Party (with the consent of the ABL Agent), the Term Agent may not sell, assign or otherwise transfer the related Term Priority Collateral prior to the expiration of the Use Period, unless the purchaser, assignee or transferee thereof agrees in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Section 3.6.

(b) During the period of actual occupation, use and/or control by the ABL Secured Parties and/or the ABL Agent (or their respective employees, agents, advisers and representatives) of any Term Priority Collateral, the ABL Secured Parties and the ABL Agent shall be obligated to repair at their expense any physical damage (but not any diminution in value) to such Term Priority Collateral resulting from such occupancy, use or control, and to leave such Term Priority Collateral in substantially the same condition as it was at the commencement of such occupancy, use or control, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the ABL Secured Parties or the ABL Agent have any liability to the Term Secured Parties and/or to the Term Agent pursuant to this Section 3.6 as a result of any condition (including any environmental condition, claim or liability) on or with respect to the Term Priority Collateral existing prior to the date of the exercise by the ABL

 

   25    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Secured Parties (or the ABL Agent, as the case may be) of their rights under Section 3.6 and the ABL Secured Parties shall have no duty or liability to maintain the Term Priority Collateral in a condition or manner better than that in which it was maintained prior to the use thereof by the ABL Secured Parties, or for any diminution in the value of the Term Priority Collateral that results from ordinary wear and tear resulting from the use of the Term Priority Collateral by the ABL Secured Parties in the manner and for the time periods specified under this Section 3.6. Without limiting the rights granted in this Section 3.6, the ABL Secured Parties and the ABL Agent shall cooperate with the Term Secured Parties and/or the Term Agent in connection with any efforts made by the Term Secured Parties and/or the Term Agent to sell the Term Priority Collateral.

(c) The ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall not be obligated to pay any amounts to the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties (or any person claiming by, through or under the Term Secured Parties, including any purchaser of the Term Priority Collateral) or to the ABL Credit Parties, for or in respect of the use by the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties of the Term Priority Collateral.

(d) The ABL Secured Parties shall (i) use the Term Priority Collateral in accordance with applicable law; (ii) insure for damage to property and liability to persons, including property and liability insurance for the benefit of the Term Secured Parties; and (iii) reimburse the Term Secured Parties for any injury or damage to Persons or property (ordinary wear-and-tear excepted) caused by the acts or omissions of Persons under their control (except for those arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Term Secured Party); provided, however, that the ABL Secured Parties will not be liable for any diminution in the value of the Term Priority Collateral caused by the absence of the ABL Priority Collateral therefrom.

(e) The Term Agent and the other Term Secured Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to not hinder or obstruct the ABL Agent and the other ABL Secured Parties from exercising the rights described in Section 3.6(a) hereof.

(f) Subject to the terms hereof, the Term Agent may advertise and conduct public auctions or private sales of the Term Priority Collateral without notice (except as required by applicable law) to any ABL Secured Party, the involvement of or interference by any ABL Secured Party or liability to any ABL Secured Party as long as, in the case of an actual sale, the respective purchaser assumes and agrees to the obligations of the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties under this Section 3.6.

(g) In furtherance of the foregoing in this Section 3.6, the Term Agent, in its capacity as a secured party (or as a purchaser, assignee or transferee, as applicable), and to the extent of its interest therein, hereby grants to the ABL Agent a nonexclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, license or sublicense any and all Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Credit Parties (except to the extent such grant is prohibited by any rule of law, statute or regulation), included as part of the Term Priority Collateral (and including in such license access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof) as is or may be necessary or advisable in the ABL Agent’s reasonable judgment for the ABL

 

   26    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Agent to process, ship, produce, store, supply, lease, complete, sell, liquidate or otherwise deal with the ABL Priority Collateral, or to collect or otherwise realize upon any Accounts (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) comprising ABL Priority Collateral, in each case solely in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies; provided that (i) any such license shall terminate upon the sale of the applicable ABL Priority Collateral and shall not extend or transfer to the purchaser of such ABL Priority Collateral, (ii) the ABL Agent’s use of such Intellectual Property shall be reasonable and lawful, and (iii) any such license is granted on an “AS IS” basis, without any representation or warranty whatsoever. The Term Agent (i) acknowledges and consents to the grant to the ABL Agent by the Credit Parties of the license referred to in Section 4.01 of the Security Agreement (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and (ii) agrees that its Liens in the Term Priority Collateral shall be subject in all respects to such license. Furthermore, the Term Agent agrees that, in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies conducted by the Term Agent in respect of Term Priority Collateral, (x) any notice required to be given by the Term Agent in connection with such Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies shall contain an acknowledgement of the existence of such license and (y) the Term Agent shall provide written notice to any purchaser, assignee or transferee pursuant to an Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies that the applicable assets are subject to such license.

Section 3.7 Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds. The ABL Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, and the Term Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Term Secured Parties, further agree that prior to an issuance of any notice of Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies by such Secured Party (unless a bankruptcy or insolvency Event of Default then exists), any proceeds of Collateral, whether or not deposited under control agreements, which are used by any Credit Party to acquire other property which is Collateral shall not (solely as between the Agents and the Lenders) be treated as Proceeds of Collateral for purposes of determining the relative priorities in the Collateral which was so acquired.

Section 3.8 Purchase Right

(a) If (i) the ABL Agent or “Requisite Lenders” (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) shall sell, lease, license or dispose of all or substantially all of the ABL Priority Collateral by private or public sale, (ii) an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to the Borrower or Holdings shall have occurred or shall have been commenced, or (iii) the ABL Obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement shall have been accelerated (including as a result of any automatic acceleration) or shall remain unpaid following the Scheduled Termination Date (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), (each such event described in clauses (i) through (iii) herein above, a “Purchase Option Event”), the Term Secured Parties shall have the opportunity to purchase (at par and without premium) all (but not less than all) of the ABL Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.8; provided, that such option shall expire if the applicable Term Secured Parties fail to deliver a written notice (a “Purchase Notice”) to the ABL Agent with a copy to the Borrower within ten (10) business days following the first date the Term Agent obtains actual knowledge of the occurrence of the earliest Purchase Option Event, which Purchase Notice shall (A) be signed by the applicable Term Secured Parties committing to such purchase (the “Purchasing Creditors”) and indicate the percentage of the ABL Obligations to be purchased by each Purchasing Creditor (which aggregate commitments must add up to 100% of the ABL Obligations) and (B) state that (1) it is a Purchase Notice delivered pursuant to Section 3.8 of this Agreement and (2) the offer contained therein is irrevocable. Upon receipt of such Purchase Notice by the ABL Agent, the Purchasing Creditors shall have from the date of delivery thereof to and including the date that is ten (10) business days after the Purchase Notice was received by the ABL Agent to purchase all (but not less than all) of the ABL Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.8 (the date of such purchase, the “Purchase Date”).

 

   27    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(b) On the Purchase Date, the ABL Agent and the other ABL Secured Parties shall, subject to any required approval of any Governmental Authority and any limitation in the ABL Credit Agreement, in each case then in effect, if any, sell to the Purchasing Creditors all (but not less than all) of the ABL Obligations. On such Purchase Date, the Purchasing Creditors shall (i) pay to the ABL Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, as directed by the ABL Agent, in immediately available funds the full amount (at par and without premium) of all ABL Obligations then outstanding together with all accrued and unpaid interest and fees thereon, all in the amounts specified by the ABL Agent and determined in accordance with the applicable ABL Documents, (ii) furnish such amount of cash collateral in immediately available funds as the ABL Agent determines is reasonably necessary to secure ABL Secured Parties in connection with any (x) contingent Other Liabilities or (y) issued and outstanding letters of credit issued under the ABL Credit Agreement but not in any event in an amount greater than 101% of the aggregate undrawn amount of all such outstanding letters of credit (and in the case of clauses (x) and (y) herein above, any excess of such cash collateral for such Other Liabilities or letters of credit remaining at such time when there are no longer any such Other Liabilities or letters of credit outstanding and there are no unreimbursed amounts then owing in respect of such Other Liabilities or drawings under such letters of credit shall be promptly paid over to the Term Agent) and (iii) agree to reimburse the ABL Secured Parties for any loss, cost, damage or expense resulting from the granting of provisional credit for any checks, wire or ACH transfers that are reversed or not final or other payments provisionally credited to the ABL Obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement and as to which the ABL Agent and ABL Secured Parties have not yet received final payment as of the Purchase Date. Such purchase price shall be remitted by wire transfer in immediately available funds to such bank account of the ABL Agent (for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties) as the ABL Agent shall have specified in writing to the Term Agent. Interest and fees shall be calculated to but excluding the Purchase Date if the amounts so paid by the applicable Term Lenders to the bank account designated by the ABL Agent are received in such bank account prior to 1:00 p.m., New York time, and interest shall be calculated to and including such Purchase Date if the amounts so paid by the applicable Term Lenders to the bank account designated by the ABL Agent are received in such bank account after 1:00 p.m., New York time.

(c) Any purchase pursuant to the purchase option set forth in this Section 3.8 shall, except as provided below, be expressly made without representation or warranty of any kind by the ABL Agent or the other ABL Secured Parties as to the ABL Obligations, the collateral or otherwise, and without recourse to the ABL Agent and the other ABL Secured Parties as to the ABL Obligations, the collateral or otherwise, except that the ABL Agent and each of the ABL Secured Parties, as to itself only, shall represent and warrant only as to the matters set forth in the assignment agreement to be entered into as provided herein in connection with such purchase, which shall include (i) the principal amount of the ABL Obligations being sold by it, (ii) that such Person has not created any Lien on any ABL Obligations being sold by it, and (iii) that such Person has the right to assign the ABL Obligations being assigned by it and its assignment agreement has been duly authorized and delivered.

 

   28    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(d) Upon notice to the Credit Parties by the Term Agent that the purchase of ABL Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.8 has been consummated by delivery of the purchase price to the ABL Agent, the Credit Parties shall treat the applicable Term Lenders as holders of the ABL Obligations and the Term Agent shall be deemed appointed to act in such capacity as the “agent” or “administrative agent” (or analogous capacity) (the “Replacement Agent”) under the ABL Documents, for all purposes hereunder and under each ABL Document (it being agreed that the ABL Agent shall have no obligation to act as such replacement “agent” or “administrative agent” (or analogous capacity)). In connection with any purchase of ABL Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.8, each ABL Lender and ABL Agent agrees to enter into and deliver to the applicable Term Lenders on the Purchase Date, as a condition to closing, an assignment agreement customarily used by the ABL Agent in connection with the ABL Credit Agreement and the ABL Agent and each other ABL Lender shall deliver all possessory collateral (if any), together with any necessary endorsements and other documents (including any applicable stock powers or bond powers), then in its possession or in the possession of its agent or bailee, or turn over control as to any pledged collateral, deposit accounts or securities accounts of which it or its agent or bailee then has control, as the case may be, to the Replacement Agent, and deliver the loan register and participant register, if applicable and all other records pertaining to the ABL Obligations to the Replacement Agent and otherwise take such actions as may be reasonably appropriate to effect an orderly transition to the Replacement Agent. Upon the consummation of the purchase of the ABL Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.8, the ABL Agent (and all other agents under the ABL Credit Agreement) shall be deemed to have resigned as an “agent” or “administrative agent” for the ABL Secured Parties under the ABL Documents; provided that the ABL Agent (and all other agents under the ABL Credit Agreement) shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of a former “agent” or “administrative agent” under the ABL Credit Agreement.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing purchase of the ABL Obligations by the Purchasing Creditors, the ABL Secured Parties shall retain those contingent indemnification obligations and other obligations under the ABL Documents which by their express terms would survive any repayment of the ABL Obligations pursuant to this Section 3.8.

Section 3.9 Payments Over.

(a) So long as the Discharge of Term Obligations has not occurred, any Term Priority Collateral or Proceeds thereof not constituting ABL Priority Collateral received by the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including set off) relating to the Term Priority Collateral in contravention of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the Term Agent for the benefit of the Term Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Term Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the ABL Agent or any such other ABL Secured Parties. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

 

   29    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(b) So long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, any ABL Priority Collateral or Proceeds thereof not constituting Term Priority Collateral received by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Parties in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including set off) relating to the ABL Priority Collateral in contravention of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the ABL Agent for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The ABL Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the Term Agent or any such Term Secured Parties. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE 4

APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS

Section 4.1 Application of Proceeds.

(a) Revolving Nature of ABL Obligations. The Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) the ABL Credit Agreement includes a revolving commitment, that in the ordinary course of business the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders will apply payments and make advances thereunder, and that no application of any ABL Priority Collateral or the release of any Lien by the ABL Agent upon any portion of the Collateral in connection with a permitted disposition by the ABL Credit Parties under any ABL Credit Agreement shall constitute the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies under this Agreement; (ii) the amount of the ABL Obligations that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed, and that the terms of the ABL Obligations may be modified, extended or amended from time to time, and that the aggregate amount of the ABL Obligations may be increased, replaced or refinanced, in each event, without notice to or consent by the Term Secured Parties and without affecting the provisions hereof; and (iii) all ABL Priority Collateral received by the ABL Agent may be applied, reversed, reapplied, credited, or reborrowed, in whole or in part, to the ABL Obligations at any time; provided, however, that from and after the date on which the ABL Agent (or any ABL Secured Party) or the Term Agent (or any Term Secured Party) commences the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies, all amounts received by the ABL Agent or any ABL Lender shall be applied as specified in this Section 4.1. The Lien Priority shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any such amendment, modification, supplement, extension, repayment, reborrowing, increase, replacement, renewal, restatement or refinancing of either the ABL Obligations or the Term Obligations, or any portion thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Term Document or any ABL Document, each Credit Party and the Term Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Term Secured Parties, agrees that (i) only Term Priority Collateral or proceeds of the Term Priority Collateral shall be deposited in the Term Loan Priority Accounts and (ii) prior to the receipt of a Term Cash Proceeds Notice, the ABL Secured Parties are hereby permitted to treat all cash, cash equivalents, Money, collections and payments deposited in any ABL Deposit and Securities Account or otherwise received by any ABL Secured Parties as ABL Priority Collateral, and no such amounts credited to any such ABL Deposit and Securities Account or received by any ABL Secured Parties or applied to the ABL Obligations shall be subject to disgorgement or deemed to be held in trust for the benefit of the Term Secured Parties (and all claims of the Term Agent or any other Term Secured Party to such amounts are hereby waived).

 

   30    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(b) Application of Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral. The ABL Agent and the Term Agent hereby agree that all ABL Priority Collateral, ABL Priority Proceeds and all other Proceeds thereof, received by either of them in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral shall be applied,

first, to the payment of costs and expenses of the ABL Agent in connection with such Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies,

second, to the payment or discharge of the ABL Obligations in accordance with the ABL Documents until the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall have occurred,

third, to the payment of the Term Obligations in accordance with the Term Documents until the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred, and

fourth, the balance, if any, to the Credit Parties or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

(c) Application of Proceeds of Term Priority Collateral. The ABL Agent and the Term Agent hereby agree that all Term Priority Collateral, Term Priority Proceeds and all other Proceeds thereof, received by either of them in connection with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Term Priority Collateral shall be applied,

first, to the payment of costs and expenses of the Term Agent in connection with such Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies,

second, to the payment of the Term Obligations in accordance with the Term Documents until the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred,

third, to the payment of the ABL Obligations in accordance with the ABL Documents until the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall have occurred; and

fourth, the balance, if any, to the Credit Parties or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

(d) Limited Obligation or Liability. In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the ABL Agent shall have no obligation or liability to the Term Agent or to any Term Secured Party, and the Term Agent shall have no obligation or liability to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party, regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds or for any action or omission, except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each Party under the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, none of the Parties hereto waives any claim that it may have against a Secured Party on the grounds that any sale, transfer or other disposition by the Secured Party was not commercially reasonable in every respect as required by the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

   31    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(e) Turnover of Collateral After Discharge. Upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations, the ABL Agent shall deliver to the Term Agent or shall execute such documents as the Term Agent may reasonably request to enable the Term Agent to have control over any Control Collateral still in the ABL Agent’s possession, custody, or control in the same form as received with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Upon the Discharge of Term Obligations, the Term Agent shall deliver to the ABL Agent or shall execute such documents as the ABL Agent may reasonably request to enable the ABL Agent to have control over any Control Collateral still in the Term Agent’s possession, custody or control in the same form as received with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.

Section 4.2 Specific Performance. Each of the ABL Agent and the Term Agent is hereby authorized to demand specific performance of this Agreement, whether or not the Borrower or any Guarantor shall have complied with any of the provisions of any of the Credit Documents, at any time when the other Party shall have failed to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement applicable to it. Each of the ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, and the Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law that might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.

ARTICLE 5

INTERCREDITOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND WAIVERS

Section 5.1 Notice of Acceptance and Other Waivers.

(a) All ABL Obligations at any time made or incurred by the Borrower or any Guarantor shall be deemed to have been made or incurred in reliance upon this Agreement, and the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, hereby waives notice of acceptance, or proof of reliance by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party of this Agreement, and notice of the existence, increase, renewal, extension, accrual, creation, or non-payment of all or any part of the ABL Obligations. All Term Obligations at any time made or incurred by the Borrower or any Guarantor shall be deemed to have been made or incurred in reliance upon this Agreement, and the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, hereby waives notice of acceptance, or proof of reliance, by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party of this Agreement, and notice of the existence, increase, renewal, extension, accrual, creation, or non-payment of all or any part of the Term Obligations.

(b) None of the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party, or any of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect, or realize upon any of the Collateral or any Proceeds, or for any delay in doing so, or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral or Proceeds thereof or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part or Proceeds thereof, except as specifically provided in this Agreement. If the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party honors (or fails to honor) a request by the Borrower for an extension of credit pursuant to any ABL Credit Agreement or any of the other ABL Documents, whether the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party has knowledge that the honoring of (or failure to honor) any such request would constitute a default under the terms of any Term Credit Agreement or any other Term Document or an act, condition, or event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute such a default, or if the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party otherwise should exercise any of its contractual rights or remedies under any ABL Documents (subject to the express terms and conditions hereof), neither the ABL Agent nor any

 

   32    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


ABL Secured Party shall have any liability whatsoever to the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party as a result of such action, omission, or exercise (so long as any such exercise does not breach the express terms and provisions of this Agreement). The ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall be entitled to manage and supervise their loans and extensions of credit under any ABL Credit Agreement and any of the other ABL Documents as they may, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Term Agent or any of the Term Secured Parties have in the Collateral, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that neither the ABL Agent nor any ABL Secured Party shall incur any liability as a result of a sale, lease, license, application, or other disposition of all or any portion of the Collateral or Proceeds thereof, pursuant to the ABL Documents, so long as such disposition is conducted in accordance with mandatory provisions of applicable law and does not breach the provisions of this Agreement.

(c) None of the Term Agent, any Term Secured Party or any of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect, or realize upon any of the Collateral or any Proceeds, or for any delay in doing so, or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral or Proceeds thereof or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part or Proceeds thereof, except as specifically provided in this Agreement. If the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party honors (or fails to honor) a request by the Borrower for an extension of credit pursuant to any Term Credit Agreement or any of the other Term Documents, whether the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party has knowledge that the honoring of (or failure to honor) any such request would constitute a default under the terms of any ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Document or an act, condition, or event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute such a default, or if the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party otherwise should exercise any of its contractual rights or remedies under the Term Documents (subject to the express terms and conditions hereof), neither the Term Agent nor any Term Secured Party shall have any liability whatsoever to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party as a result of such action, omission, or exercise (so long as any such exercise does not breach the express terms and provisions of this Agreement). The Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties shall be entitled to manage and supervise their loans and extensions of credit under the Term Documents as they may, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party has in the Collateral, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that none of the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties shall incur any liability as a result of a sale, lease, license, application, or other disposition of the Collateral or any part or Proceeds thereof, pursuant to the Term Documents, so long as such disposition is conducted in accordance with mandatory provisions of applicable law and does not breach the provisions of this Agreement.

 

   33    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Section 5.2 Modifications to ABL Documents and Term Documents.

(a) The Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, hereby agrees that, without affecting the obligations of the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties hereunder, the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, in their sole discretion without the consent of or notice to the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party (except to the extent such notice or consent is required pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement), and without incurring any liability to the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party or impairing or releasing the subordination provided for herein, amend, restate, supplement, replace, refinance, extend, consolidate, restructure, or otherwise modify any of the ABL Documents in any manner whatsoever (other than in a manner which would contravene the provisions of this Agreement), including, without limitation, to:

(i) change the manner, place, time, or terms of payment or renew, alter or increase, all or any of the ABL Obligations or otherwise amend, restate, supplement, or otherwise modify in any manner, or grant any waiver or release with respect to, all or any part of the ABL Obligations or any of the ABL Documents;

(ii) subject to Section 2.5, retain or obtain a Lien on any Property of any Person to secure any of the ABL Obligations, and in connection therewith to enter into any additional ABL Documents;

(iii) amend, or grant any waiver, compromise, or release with respect to, or consent to any departure from, any guaranty or other obligations of any Person obligated in any manner under or in respect of the ABL Obligations;

(iv) release its Lien on any Collateral or other Property;

(v) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other Person;

(vi) subject to Section 2.5, retain or obtain the primary or secondary obligation of any other Person with respect to any of the ABL Obligations; and

(vii) otherwise manage and supervise the ABL Obligations as the ABL Agent shall deem appropriate.

(b) The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, hereby agrees that, without affecting the obligations of the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties hereunder, the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, in their sole discretion without the consent of or notice to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party (except to the extent such notice or consent is required pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement), and without incurring any liability to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party or impairing or releasing the subordination provided for herein, amend, restate, supplement, replace, refinance, extend, consolidate, restructure, or otherwise modify any of the Term Documents in any manner whatsoever (other than in a manner which would contravene the provisions of this Agreement), including, without limitation, to:

(i) change the manner, place, time, or terms of payment or renew, alter or increase, all or any of the Term Obligations or otherwise amend, restate, supplement, or otherwise modify in any manner, or grant any waiver or release with respect to, all or any part of the Term Obligations or any of the Term Documents;

 

   34    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(ii) subject to Section 2.5, retain or obtain a Lien on any Property of any Person to secure any of the Term Obligations, and in connection therewith to enter into any additional Term Documents;

(iii) amend, or grant any waiver, compromise, or release with respect to, or consent to any departure from, any guaranty or other obligations of any Person obligated in any manner under or in respect of the Term Obligations;

(iv) release its Lien on any Collateral or other Property;

(v) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other Person;

(vi) subject to Section 2.5, retain or obtain the primary or secondary obligation of any other Person with respect to any of the Term Obligations; and

(vii) otherwise manage and supervise the Term Obligations as the Term Agent shall deem appropriate.

(c) The ABL Obligations and the Term Obligations may be refinanced, in whole or in part, from time to time, in each case, without notice to, or the consent (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such refinancing transaction under any ABL Document or any Term Document) of the ABL Agent, the ABL Secured Parties, the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties, as the case may be, all without affecting the Lien Priorities provided for herein or the other provisions hereof, provided, however, that the holders of any class or series of such refinancing Indebtedness (or an authorized agent or trustee on their behalf) bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement pursuant to such documents or agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the ABL Agent or the Term Agent, as the case may be, shall reasonably request and in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the ABL Agent or the Term Agent, as the case may be, and any such refinancing transaction shall be in accordance with any applicable provisions of both the ABL Documents and the Term Documents (to the extent such documents survive the refinancing).

Section 5.3 Reinstatement and Continuation of Agreement.

(a) If the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party is required in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other Person any payment made in satisfaction of all or any portion of the ABL Obligations (an “ABL Recovery”), then the ABL Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such ABL Recovery. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such ABL Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect in the event of such ABL Recovery, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair, or otherwise affect the obligations of the Parties from such date of reinstatement. All rights, interests, agreements, and obligations of the ABL Agent, the Term Agent, the ABL Secured Parties, and the Term Secured Parties under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall continue irrespective of the commencement of, or any discharge, confirmation, conversion, or dismissal of, any Insolvency Proceeding by or against the Borrower or any Guarantor or any other circumstance which otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of the

 

   35    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Borrower or any Guarantor in respect of the ABL Obligations or the Term Obligations. No priority or right of the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party shall at any time be prejudiced or impaired in any way by any act or failure to act on the part of the Borrower or any Guarantor or by the noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions, or covenants of any of the ABL Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party may have.

(b) If the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party is required in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other Person any payment made in satisfaction of all or any portion of the Term Obligations (a “Term Recovery”), then the Term Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Term Recovery. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Term Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect in the event of such Term Recovery, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair, or otherwise affect the obligations of the Parties from such date of reinstatement. All rights, interests, agreements, and obligations of the ABL Agent, the Term Agent, the ABL Secured Parties, and the Term Secured Parties under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall continue irrespective of the commencement of, or any discharge, confirmation, conversion, or dismissal of, any Insolvency Proceeding by or against the Borrower or any Guarantor or any other circumstance which otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of the Borrower or any Guarantor in respect of the ABL Obligations or the Term Obligations. No priority or right of the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party shall at any time be prejudiced or impaired in any way by any act or failure to act on the part of the Borrower or any Guarantor or by the noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions, or covenants of any of the Term Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party may have.

ARTICLE 6

INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS

Section 6.1 DIP Financing.

(a) If the Borrower or any Guarantor shall be subject to any Insolvency Proceeding at any time prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, and the ABL Agent or the ABL Secured Parties shall seek to provide the Borrower or any Guarantor with, or consent to a third party providing, any financing under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or consent to any order for the use of cash collateral constituting ABL Priority Collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any foreign Debtor Relief Laws or under a court order in respect of measures granted with similar effect under any foreign Debtor Relief Laws) (each, a “DIP Financing”), with such DIP Financing to be secured by all or any portion of the Collateral (including assets that, but for the application of Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any foreign Debtor Relief Laws) would be Collateral) (it being agreed that the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall not propose any DIP Financing secured by the Term Priority Collateral in competition with the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties without the consent of the Term Agent), then the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that it will raise no objection and will not support any objection to such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral or to the Liens securing the same on the

 

   36    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


grounds of a failure to provide “adequate protection” for the Liens of the Term Agent securing the Term Obligations or on any other grounds (and will not request any adequate protection solely as a result of such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral that is ABL Priority Collateral except as permitted by Section 6.3(c)(i)), so long as (i) the Term Agent retains its Lien on the Collateral to secure the Term Obligations (in each case, including Proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of the case under any Debtor Relief Laws) and, as to the Term Priority Collateral only, such Lien has the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the case under the subject Debtor Relief Laws and any Lien on the Term Priority Collateral securing such DIP Financing is junior and subordinate to the Lien of the Term Agent on the Term Priority Collateral, (ii) all Liens on ABL Priority Collateral securing any such DIP Financing shall be senior to or on a parity with the Liens of the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties securing the ABL Obligations on ABL Priority Collateral and (iii) the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.1(a) shall not prevent the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties from objecting to any provision in any DIP Financing relating to any provision or content of a plan of reorganization or other plan of similar effect under any Debtor Relief Laws.

(b) If the Borrower or any Guarantor shall be subject to any Insolvency Proceeding at any time prior to the Discharge of Term Obligations, and the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties shall seek to provide the Borrower or any Guarantor with, or consent to a third party providing, any DIP Financing, with such DIP Financing to be secured by all or any portion of the Collateral (including assets that, but for the application of Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any foreign Debtor Relief Laws) would be Collateral) (it being agreed that the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties shall not propose any DIP Financing secured by the ABL Priority Collateral in competition with the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties without the consent of the ABL Agent), then the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that it will raise no objection and will not support any objection to such DIP Financing or to the Liens securing the same on the grounds of a failure to provide “adequate protection” for the Liens of the ABL Agent securing the ABL Obligations or on any other grounds (and will not request any adequate protection solely as a result of such DIP Financing), so long as (i) the ABL Agent retains its Lien on the Collateral to secure the ABL Obligations (in each case, including Proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of the case under any Debtor Relief Law) and, as to the ABL Priority Collateral only, such Lien has the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of the case under the subject Debtor Relief Laws and any Lien on ABL Priority Collateral securing such DIP Financing furnished by the Term Agent or Term Secured Parties is junior and subordinate to the Lien of the ABL Agent on the ABL Priority Collateral, (ii) all Liens on Term Priority Collateral securing any such DIP Financing furnished by the Term Agent or Term Secured Parties shall be senior to or on a parity with the Liens of the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties securing the Term Obligations on Term Priority Collateral and (iii) the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.1(b) shall not prevent the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties from objecting to any provision in any DIP Financing relating to any provision or content of a plan of reorganization or other plan of similar effect under any Debtor Relief Laws.

(c) All Liens granted to the ABL Agent or the Term Agent in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether as adequate protection or otherwise, are intended by the Parties to be and shall be deemed to be subject to the Lien Priority and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

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Section 6.2 Relief From Stay. Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees not to seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any portion of the ABL Priority Collateral without the ABL Agent’s express written consent. Until the Discharge of Term Obligations has occurred, the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees not to seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any portion of the Term Priority Collateral without the Term Agent’s express written consent. In addition, neither the Term Agent nor the ABL Agent shall seek any relief from the automatic stay with respect to any Collateral without providing three (3) days’ prior written notice to the other, unless such period is agreed by both the ABL Agent and the Term Agent to be modified or unless the ABL Agent or Term Agent, as applicable, makes a good faith determination that either (A) the ABL Priority Collateral or the Term Priority Collateral, as applicable, will decline speedily in value or (B) the failure to take any action will have a reasonable likelihood of endangering the ABL Agent’s or the Term Agent’s ability to realize upon its Collateral.

Section 6.3 No Contest; Adequate Protection.

(a) The Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that, prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, none of them shall seek or accept any form of adequate protection under any or all of §361, §362, §363 or §364 of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, except as set forth in Section 6.1 and this Section 6.3 or as may otherwise be consented to in writing by the ABL Agent in its sole and absolute discretion. The Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that, prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, none of them shall contest (or support any other Person contesting) (i) any request by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party for adequate protection of its interest in the Collateral (unless in contravention of Section 6.1(b) above), (ii) any proposed provision of DIP Financing by the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties (or any other Person proposing to provide DIP Financing with the consent of the ABL Agent) (unless in contravention of Section 6.1(a) above) or (iii) any objection by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party to any motion, relief, action, or proceeding based on a claim by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party that its interests in the Collateral (unless in contravention of Section 6.1(b) above) are not adequately protected (or any other similar request under any law applicable to an Insolvency Proceeding), so long as any Liens granted to the ABL Agent as adequate protection of its interests are subject to this Agreement.

(b) The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that, prior to the Discharge of Term Obligations, none of them shall seek or accept any form of adequate protection under any or all of §361, §362, §363 or §364 of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Term Priority Collateral, except as set forth in Section 6.1 and this Section 6.3 or as may otherwise be consented to in writing by the Term Agent in its sole and absolute discretion. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that, prior to the Discharge of Term Obligations, none of them shall contest (or support any other Person contesting) (i) any request by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party for adequate protection of its interest in the Collateral (unless in contravention of Section 6.1(a) above), (ii) any proposed provision of DIP Financing by the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties (or any other Person proposing to provide DIP Financing with the consent of the Term Agent) (unless in

 

 

   38    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


contravention of Section 6.1(b) above) or (iii) any objection by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on a claim by the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party that its interests in the Collateral (unless in contravention of Section 6.1(a) above) are not adequately protected (or any other similar request under any law applicable to an Insolvency Proceeding), so long as any Liens granted to the Term Agent as adequate protection of its interests are subject to this Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 6.3, in any Insolvency Proceeding:

(i) if the ABL Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral in the form of additional collateral (even if such collateral is not of a type which would otherwise have constituted ABL Priority Collateral), then the ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that the Term Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the Term Secured Parties, may seek or request (and the ABL Secured Parties will not oppose such request) adequate protection with respect to its interests in such Collateral in the form of a Lien on the same additional collateral, which Lien will be subordinated to the Liens securing the ABL Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens of the Term Agent on ABL Priority Collateral; and

(ii) in the event the Term Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the Term Secured Parties, are granted adequate protection in respect of Term Priority Collateral in the form of additional collateral (even if such collateral is not of a type which would otherwise have constituted Term Priority Collateral), then the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and any of the Term Secured Parties, agrees that the ABL Agent on behalf of itself or any of the ABL Secured Parties, may seek or request (and the Term Secured Parties will not oppose such request) adequate protection with respect to its interests in such Collateral in the form of a Lien on the same additional collateral, which Lien will be subordinated to the Liens securing the Term Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens of the ABL Agent on Term Priority Collateral.

(iii) Except as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 6.1 or in connection with the exercise of remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, nothing herein shall limit the rights of the Term Agent or the Term Secured Parties from seeking adequate protection with respect to their rights in the Term Priority Collateral in any Insolvency Proceeding (including adequate protection in the form of a cash payment, periodic cash payments or otherwise). Except as otherwise expressly set forth in Section 6.1 or in connection with the exercise of remedies with respect to the Term Priority Collateral, nothing herein shall limit the rights of the ABL Agent or the ABL Secured Parties from seeking adequate protection with respect to their rights in the ABL Priority Collateral in any Insolvency Proceeding (including adequate protection in the form of a cash payment, periodic cash payments or otherwise).

Section 6.4 Asset Sales. The Term Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, that it will not oppose any sale consented to by the ABL Agent of any ABL Priority Collateral pursuant to Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under the law applicable to any Insolvency Proceeding or under a court order in respect of measures granted with similar effect under any foreign Debtor Relief Laws) so long as the Term

 

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Agent, for the benefit of the Term Secured Parties, shall retain a Lien on the proceeds of such sale (to the extent such proceeds are not applied to the ABL Obligations in accordance with Section 4.1(b)). The ABL Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, that it will not oppose any sale consented to by the Term Agent of any Term Priority Collateral pursuant to Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under the law applicable to any Insolvency Proceeding or under a court order in respect of measures granted with similar effect under any foreign Debtor Relief Laws) so long as (i) any such sale is made in accordance with Section 3.6 and (ii) the ABL Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, shall retain a Lien on the proceeds of such sale (to the extent such proceeds are not applied to the Term Obligations in accordance with Section 4.1(c)). If such sale of Collateral includes both ABL Priority Collateral and Term Priority Collateral and the Parties are unable after negotiating in good faith to agree on the allocation of the purchase price between the ABL Priority Collateral and Term Priority Collateral, either Party may apply to the court in such Insolvency Proceeding to make a determination of such allocation, and the court’s determination shall be binding upon the Parties.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Term Agent, on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that in connection with any of the matters described in the foregoing Sections 6.1, 6.2 or 6.3 or in this Section 6.4, the rights of each Term Secured Party that is an ABL Secured Party but not an ABL Lender, in such Term Secured Party’s capacity as an ABL Secured Party, are subject to, and limited as set forth in, Section 11.13(b) of the ABL Credit Agreement.

Section 6.5 Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification. Each Term Secured Party and each ABL Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that (i) the grants of Liens pursuant to the ABL Collateral Documents and the Term Collateral Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens and (ii) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Collateral, the Term Obligations are fundamentally different from the ABL Obligations and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization (or other plan of similar effect under any Debtor Relief Laws) proposed or adopted in an Insolvency Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the ABL Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties in respect of the Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then the ABL Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of ABL Obligation claims and Term Obligation claims against the Credit Parties, with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the ABL Priority Collateral or Term Priority Collateral, as applicable, is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the other Secured Parties), the ABL Secured Parties or the Term Secured Parties, respectively, shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest that is available from each pool of Priority Collateral for each of the ABL Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties, respectively, before any distribution is made in respect of the claims held by the other Secured Parties from such Collateral, with the other Secured Parties hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the respective other Secured Parties amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the aggregate recoveries.

 

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Section 6.6 Enforceability. The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be and shall be enforceable under Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Section 6.7 ABL Obligations Unconditional. All rights of the ABL Agent hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the Term Agent and the Credit Parties (to the extent applicable) hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

A. any lack of validity or enforceability of any ABL Document;

B. any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any portion of the ABL Obligations, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding or restatement of any ABL Document;

C. any exchange, release, voiding, avoidance or non perfection of any security interest in any Collateral or any other collateral, or any release, amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding, restatement or increase of all or any portion of the ABL Obligations or any guarantee or guaranty thereof; or

D. any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Credit Party in respect of the ABL Obligations, or of any of the Term Agent or any Credit Party, to the extent applicable, in respect of this Agreement.

Section 6.8 Term Obligations Unconditional. All rights of the Term Agent hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the ABL Agent and the Credit Parties (to the extent applicable) hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

A. any lack of validity or enforceability of any Term Document;

B. any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any portion of the Term Obligations, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding or restatement of any Term Document;

C. any exchange, release, voiding, avoidance or non perfection of any security interest in any Collateral, or any other collateral, or any release, amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding, restatement or increase of all or any portion of the Term Obligations or any guarantee or guaranty thereof; or

D. any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Credit Party in respect of the Term Obligations, or of any of the ABL Agent or any Credit Party, to the extent applicable, in respect of this Agreement.

 

 

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ARTICLE 7

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1 Rights of Subrogation. The Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, agrees that no payment to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall have occurred. Following the Discharge of ABL Obligations, the ABL Agent agrees to execute such documents, agreements, and instruments as the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party may reasonably request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any such Person of an interest in the ABL Obligations resulting from payments to the ABL Agent by such Person, so long as all costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in connection therewith by the ABL Agent are paid by such Person upon request for payment thereof. The ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that no payment to the Term Agent or any Term Secured Party pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred. Following the Discharge of Term Obligations, the Term Agent agrees to execute such documents, agreements, and instruments as the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party may reasonably request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any such Person of an interest in the Term Obligations resulting from payments to the Term Agent by such Person, so long as all costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in connection therewith by the Term Agent are paid by such Person upon request for payment thereof.

Section 7.2 Further Assurances. The Parties will, at their own expense and at any time and from time to time, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable, or that either Party may reasonably request, in order to protect any right or interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable the ABL Agent or the Term Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder; provided, however, that no Party shall be required to pay over any payment or distribution, execute any instruments or documents, or take any other action referred to in this Section 7.2, to the extent that such action would contravene any law, order or other legal requirement or any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, and in the event of a controversy or dispute, such Party may interplead any payment or distribution in any court of competent jurisdiction, without further responsibility in respect of such payment or distribution under this Section 7.2.

Section 7.3 Representations. The Term Agent represents and warrants to the ABL Agent that it has the requisite power and authority under the Term Documents to enter into, execute, deliver, and carry out the terms of this Agreement on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties and that this Agreement shall be binding obligations of the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties, enforceable against the Term Agent and the Term Secured Parties in accordance with its terms. The ABL Agent represents and warrants to the Term Agent that it has the requisite power and authority under the ABL Documents to enter into, execute, deliver, and carry out the terms of this Agreement on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties and that this Agreement shall be binding obligations of the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties, enforceable against the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties in accordance with its terms.

 

 

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Section 7.4 Amendments. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement nor consent to any departure by any Party hereto shall be effective unless it is in a written agreement executed by the Term Agent and the ABL Agent and, in the case of any amendment or waiver that would be materially adverse to any Credit Party, the Borrower, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

It is understood that the ABL Agent and the Term Agent, without the consent of any other ABL Secured Party or Term Secured Party, may in their discretion determine that a supplemental agreement (which may take the form of an amendment and restatement of this Agreement) is necessary or appropriate (i) to facilitate having additional indebtedness or other obligations of any of the Credit Parties become ABL Obligations or Term Obligations, as the case may be, under this Agreement or (ii) to effectuate the subordination of Liens securing any Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt (or any Permitted Refinancing thereof) to the Liens on the Term Priority Collateral securing the ABL Obligations and to the Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral securing the Term Obligations (the indebtedness or other obligations described in clauses (i) and (ii), Additional Debt), which supplemental agreement shall, except in the case of Permitted Junior Secured Refinancing Debt or any Permitted Refinancing thereof, specify whether such Additional Debt constitutes ABL Obligations or Term Obligations; provided that such Additional Debt is permitted to be incurred under any ABL Credit Agreement and any Term Credit Agreement then extant in accordance with the terms thereof.

Section 7.5 Addresses for Notices. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing and may be personally served, telecopied, emailed, or sent by overnight express courier service or United States mail and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service, upon receipt of a telecopy or five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail (certified, with postage prepaid and properly addressed). For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto (until notice of a change thereof is delivered as provided in this Section) shall be as set forth below or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.

 

ABL Agent:   

Bank of America, N.A.

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Attention: Mark D. Twomey

Telecopier: 312.453.4364

E-mail: mark.twomey@baml.com

Term Agent:   

Bank of America, N.A.

1455 Market Street

Mail Code: CA5-701-05-19

San Francisco, CA 94103

Attention: Kevin Ahart, VP, Agency Management

Telecopier: 415.503.5000

Email: kevin.ahart@baml.com

 

 

   43    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Section 7.6 No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of any Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 7.7 Continuing Agreement, Transfer of Secured Obligations. This Agreement is a continuing agreement and shall (a) remain in full force and effect until the Discharge of ABL Obligations and the Discharge of Term Obligations shall have occurred, (b) be binding upon the Parties and their successors and assigns, and (c) inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors, transferees and assigns. Except as set forth in Section 7.4, nothing herein is intended, or shall be construed to give, any other Person any right, remedy or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement or any Collateral. All references to any Credit Party shall include any Credit Party as debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Credit Party in any Insolvency Proceeding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (c), the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party, the Term Agent, or any Term Secured Party may assign or otherwise transfer all or any portion of the ABL Obligations or the Term Obligations in accordance with the ABL Credit Agreement or the Term Credit Agreement, in each case, as applicable, to any other Person (other than the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Borrower or any Guarantor and any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any Guarantor (except as provided in such ABL Credit Agreement or such Term Credit Agreement, as applicable)), and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the rights and obligations in respect thereof granted to the ABL Agent, the Term Agent, any ABL Secured Party, or any Term Secured Party, as the case may be, herein or otherwise. The ABL Secured Parties and the Term Secured Parties may continue, at any time and without notice to the other parties hereto, to extend credit and other financial accommodations, lend monies and provide Indebtedness to, or for the benefit of, any Credit Party on the faith hereof.

Section 7.8 GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT. (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.

Section 7.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and it is not necessary that the signatures of all Parties be contained on any one counterpart hereof, each counterpart will be deemed to be an original, and all together shall constitute one and the same document. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission (in.pdf or similar format) shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 7.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the ABL Agent, ABL Secured Parties, Term Agent and Term Secured Parties. Except as set forth in Section 7.4, no other Person (including the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Borrower or any Guarantor, or any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any Guarantor (except as provided in any ABL Credit Agreement or any Term Credit Agreement, as applicable)) shall be deemed to be a third party beneficiary of this Agreement.

 

 

   44    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Section 7.11 Headings. The headings of the articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted for purposes of convenience only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.

Section 7.12 Severability. If any of the provisions in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement and shall not invalidate the Lien Priority or the application of Proceeds and other priorities set forth in this Agreement. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 7.13 Attorneys’ Fees. The Parties agree that if any dispute, arbitration, litigation, or other proceeding is brought with respect to the enforcement of this Agreement or any provision hereof, the prevailing party in such dispute, arbitration, litigation, or other proceeding shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and all other costs and expenses incurred in the enforcement of this Agreement, irrespective of whether suit is brought.

Section 7.14 VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER.

(a) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY ABL SECURED PARTY OR ANY TERM SECURED PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY TERM DOCUMENTS, OR ANY ABL DOCUMENTS AGAINST ANY CREDIT PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

   45    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


(b) EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (a) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(c) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. EACH PARTY HERETO REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

(d) EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 7.5. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

Section 7.15 Intercreditor Agreement. This Agreement is the “Intercreditor Agreement” referred to in the ABL Credit Agreement and this Agreement is the “ABL Intercreditor Agreement” referred to in the Term Credit Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to subordinate the obligations due to (i) any ABL Secured Party to the obligations due to any Term Secured Party or (ii) any Term Secured Party to the obligations due to any ABL Secured Party (in each case, whether before or after the occurrence of an Insolvency Proceeding), it being the intent of the Parties that this Agreement shall effectuate a subordination of Liens but not a subordination of Indebtedness.

Section 7.16 No Warranties or Liability. The Term Agent and the ABL Agent acknowledge and agree that neither has made any representation or warranty with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any other ABL Document or any Term Document. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Term Agent and the ABL Agent will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective extensions of credit to any Credit Party in accordance with law and their usual practices, modified from time to time as they deem appropriate.

 

   46    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


Section 7.17 Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any ABL Document or any Term Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.

Section 7.18 Costs and Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred by the Term Agent and the ABL Agent, including, without limitation pursuant to Section 3.8(d) and Section 4.1(e) hereunder shall be reimbursed by the Borrower and the Credit Parties as provided in Section 10.04 of the Term Credit Agreement (or any similar provision) and Section 12.3 (or any similar provision) of the ABL Credit Agreement.

Section 7.19 Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Credit Parties. Each of the Term Agent and the ABL Agent hereby assumes responsibility for keeping itself informed of the financial condition of the Credit Parties and all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the ABL Obligations or the Term Obligations. The Term Agent and the ABL Agent hereby agree that no party shall have any duty to advise any other party of information known to it regarding such condition or any such circumstances. In the event the Term Agent or the ABL Agent, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any information to any other party to this Agreement, (a) it shall be under no obligation (i) to provide any such information to such other party or any other party on any subsequent occasion, (ii) to undertake any investigation not a part of its regular business routine, or (iii) to disclose any other information, (b) it makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any such information and shall not be liable for any information contained therein, and (c) the Party receiving such information hereby agrees to hold the other Party harmless from any action the receiving Party may take or conclusion the receiving Party may reach or draw from any such information, as well as from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses to which such receiving Party may become subject arising out of or in connection with the use of such information.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

   47    Form of J. Crew Intercreditor Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the ABL Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, and the Term Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Term Secured Parties, have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as the ABL Agent
By:  

                          

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as the Term Agent
By:  

                 

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Borrower and each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that it has received a copy of this Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and consents thereto, agrees to recognize all rights granted thereby to the ABL Agent, the ABL Secured Parties, the Term Agent, and the Term Secured Parties (including pursuant to Section 7.18) and will not do any act or perform any obligation which is not in accordance with the agreements set forth in this Agreement as in effect on the date hereof. The Borrower and each Guarantor further acknowledges and agrees that (except as set forth in Section 7.4) it is not an intended beneficiary or third party beneficiary under this Agreement and (i) as between the ABL Secured Parties, the Borrower and Guarantors, the ABL Documents remain in full force and effect as written and are in no way modified hereby, and (ii) as between the Term Secured Parties, the Borrower and Guarantors, the Term Documents remain in full force and effect as written and are in no way modified hereby.

Without limiting the foregoing or any rights or remedies the Borrower and the other Credit Parties may have, Holdings, the Borrower and the other Credit Parties consent to the performance by the Term Agent of the obligations set forth in Section 3.6 of this Agreement and acknowledge and agree that neither the Term Agent nor any other Term Secured Party shall ever be accountable or liable for any action taken or omitted by the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents successors or assigns in connection therewith or incidental thereto or in consequence thereof, including any improper use or disclosure of any proprietary information or other Intellectual Property by the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns or any other damage to or misuse or loss of any property of the Credit Parties as a result of any action taken or omitted by the ABL Agent or its officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 3.6 of this Agreement.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]


CREDIT PARTIES:
CHINOS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
(which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., with J. Crew Group, Inc. surviving such merger as the Borrower),
By:  

                     

Name:  

             

Title:  

             

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]


 

The undersigned hereby confirms that, as a result of its merger with Chinos Acquisition Corporation, it hereby assumes all of the rights and obligations of Chinos Acquisition Corporation under this Agreement (in furtherance of, and not in lieu of, any assumption or deemed assumption as a matter of law) and hereby is joined to this Agreement as the Borrower hereunder.
J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

                          

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]


GUARANTORS:
CHINOS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS B, INC.
J. CREW OPERATING CORP.
J. CREW INC.
J. CREW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
GRACE HOLMES, INC.
H. F. D. NO. 55, INC.
MADEWELL INC.
J. CREW VIRGINIA, INC.
By:  

                 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]


EXHIBIT L

FORM OF INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

[To be provided under separate cover]

 

   L-1    Form of Intercompany Subordination Agreement


Exhibit L

FORM OF INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

This INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, dated as of [                ] [    ], 20[    ] (as from time to time amended, amended and restated, modified, replaced or supplemented in accordance with the terms hereof, this “Intercompany Subordination Agreement”), is made and entered into by and among each of the undersigned, to the extent a borrower from time to time (in such capacity for the purposes of this Agreement, an “Obligor”) from any other entity listed on the signature page (in such capacity for the purposes of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement, a “Subordinated Creditor”).

RECITALS

(A) Reference is made to (i) that Credit Agreement dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Term Credit Agreement”, among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation(“Merger Sub”) (which on the date hereof shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacities, the “Term Agent”) and any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection with the Term Credit Agreement, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restated, restructured, increased, supplemented or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, regardless of whether such amendment, modification, renewal, refunding, replacement, restatement, restructuring, increase, supplement or refinancing is with the same lenders or holders, agents or otherwise and (ii) that Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ABL Credit Agreement” and, together with the Term Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”) among Merger Sub (which on the date hereof shall be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower), Holdings, the Lenders and Issuers from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent thereunder (in such capacities, the “ABL Agent” and, together with the Term Agent, the “Agents”) and any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection with the ABL Credit Agreement, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restated, restructured, increased, supplemented or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, regardless of whether such amendment, modification, renewal, refunding, replacement, restatement, restructuring, increase, supplement or refinancing is with the same lenders or holders, agents or otherwise. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in each Credit Agreement, as applicable.

 

      Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


(B) All Indebtedness of each Obligor that is a Loan Party to each Subordinated Creditor that is not a Loan Party now or hereafter existing (whether created directly or acquired by assignment or otherwise), and all interest, premiums, costs, expenses or indemnification amounts thereon or payable in respect thereof or in connection therewith, are hereinafter referred to as the “Subordinated Debt”. Indebtedness owed by any Obligor that is not a Loan Party shall not be subordinated to, and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with, any other obligation of such Obligor.

(C) This Intercompany Subordination Agreement is entered into pursuant to Sections 7.03(b)(ii) and 7.03(d) of the Term Credit Agreement and Sections 9.3(b)(ii) and 9.3(d) of the ABL Credit Agreement and delivered in connection therewith.

SECTION 1. Subordination.

(a) Each Subordinated Creditor and each Obligor agrees that the Subordinated Debt is and shall be subordinate, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to the prior payment in full in cash of (i) all Obligations of any such Obligor now or hereafter existing under the Term Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, where applicable, such Obligor’s guarantee thereof (the “Term Loan Obligations”), (ii) all Secured Obligations of any such Obligor now or hereafter existing under the ABL Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), including, without limitation, where applicable, such Obligor’s guarantee thereof (the “ABL Obligations”) and (iii) all obligations of such Obligor or any guarantee thereof under the Senior Notes (the “Notes Obligations”) (the foregoing, collectively, the “Senior Indebtedness”).

(b) For the purposes of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement, (A) the Term Loan Obligations shall not be deemed to have been paid in full until the latest of: (i) the payment in full in cash of the Term Loan Obligations and all other amounts (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted and obligations and liabilities under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank or Cash Management Bank shall have been made) payable under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Maturity Date; (B) the ABL Obligations shall not be deemed to have been paid in full until the latest of: (i) the payment in full in cash of the ABL Obligations and all other amounts (other than (x) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted, (y) obligations and liabilities under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank or Cash Management Bank shall have been made and (z) Letter of Credit Obligations which have been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a latter of credit as provided for in the ABL Credit Agreement) payable under the ABL Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Scheduled Termination Date (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and (C) the Notes Obligations shall not be deemed to have been paid in full until the latest of: (i) the payment in full of the Notes Obligations and all other amounts (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted) payable under the Senior Notes Indenture and (ii) the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes.

(c) A Subordinated Creditor shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by the Credit Agreements as a result of which such Subordinated Creditor ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

   2    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


SECTION 2. Events of Subordination.

(a) In the event of any dissolution, winding up, liquidation, arrangement, reorganization, adjustment, protection, relief or composition of any Obligor or its debts, whether voluntary or involuntary, in any bankruptcy, insolvency, arrangement, reorganization, receivership, relief or other similar case or proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of the assets and liabilities of any Obligor or otherwise, the holders of Secured Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the Obligations before any Subordinated Creditor is entitled to receive any payment of all or any of the Subordinated Debt, and any payment or distribution of any kind (whether in cash, property or securities, but other than (A) equity securities or (B) debt securities of such Obligor that are subordinated, to at least the same extent as the Subordinated Debt hereunder, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding) that otherwise would be payable or deliverable upon or with respect to the Subordinated Debt in any such case, proceeding, assignment, marshalling or otherwise (including any payment that may be payable by reason of any other indebtedness of such Obligor being subordinated to payment of the Subordinated Debt) shall be paid or delivered directly to the Agents for the account of the holders of Secured Indebtedness for application (in the case of cash) to, or as collateral (in the case of non-cash property or securities) for, the payment or prepayment of the Senior Indebtedness until the Obligations shall have been paid in full in cash.

(b) If any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under either Section 8.01(a) or 8.01(f) Term Credit Agreement or Section 10.1(a) or 10.1(f) of the ABL Credit Agreement and after notice from the applicable Agent (provided that no such notice shall be required to be given in the case of any Event of Default arising under Section 8.01(f) of the Term Credit Agreement or Section 10.01(f) of the ABL Credit Agreement), then no payment (including any payment that may be payable by reason of any other Indebtedness of any Obligor being subordinated to payment of the Subordinated Debt) or distribution of any kind or character shall be made by or on behalf of any Obligor for or on account of any Subordinated Debt, and no Subordinated Creditor shall take or receive from any Obligor, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, including, without limitation, from or by way of collateral, payment of all or any of the Subordinated Debt, unless and that is a Loan Party owed to any Subordinated Creditor that is not a Loan Party until (x) the Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full in cash or (y) such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Term Agent or the ABL Agent (as applicable) in its reasonable discretion.

(c) In the event that any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in Section 8.01(a) of the Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and be continuing and any Agent gives written notice thereof to each Subordinated Creditor, then no payment (including any payment that may be payable by reason of any other indebtedness of any Obligor being subordinated to payment of the Subordinated Debt) shall be made by or on behalf of any Obligor for or on account of any Subordinated Debt, and no Subordinated Creditor shall take or receive from any Obligor, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, including, without limitation, from or by way of collateral, payment of all or any of the Subordinated Debt, unless and until (x) the Obligations shall have been paid in full or (y) such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived.

 

 

   3    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


(d) Except as otherwise set forth in Sections 2(a) through (c) above, any Obligor is permitted to pay, and any Subordinated Creditor is entitled to receive, any payment or prepayment of principal and interest on the Subordinated Debt.

SECTION 3. In Furtherance of Subordination. Each Subordinated Creditor agrees as follows:

(a) If any proceeding referred to in Section 2(a) above is commenced by or against any Obligor,

(i) each Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized and empowered (in its own name or in the name of each Subordinated Creditor or otherwise), but shall have no obligation, to demand, sue for, collect and receive every payment or distribution referred to in Section 2(a) and give acquittance therefor and to file claims and proofs of claim and take such other action (including, without limitation, voting the Subordinated Debt or enforcing any security interest or other lien securing payment of the Subordinated Debt) as it may deem necessary or advisable for the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights or interests of the Agents or the Lenders hereunder; and

(ii) each Subordinated Creditor shall duly and promptly take such action as Agent may reasonably request (A) to collect the Subordinated Debt for the account of the Lenders and to file appropriate claims or proofs or claim in respect of the Subordinated Debt, (B) to execute and deliver to the Agents such powers of attorney, assignments, or other instruments as the Agent may request in order to enable the Agents to enforce any and all claims with respect to, and any security interests and other liens securing payment of, the Subordinated Debt, and (C) to collect and receive any and all payments or distributions which may be payable or deliverable upon or with respect to the Subordinated Debt.

(b) All payments or distributions upon or with respect to the Subordinated Debt which are received by each Subordinated Creditor contrary to the provisions of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Lenders, shall be segregated from other funds and property held by such Subordinated Creditor and shall be forthwith paid over to the Agents for the account of the Lenders in the same form as so received (with any necessary indorsement) to be applied (in the case of cash) to, or held as collateral (in the case of non-cash property or securities) for, the payment or prepayment of the Obligations or the Senior Obligations, as applicable in accordance with the terms of the applicable Credit Agreement.

 

   4    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


(c) Each Agent is hereby authorized to demand specific performance of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement, whether or not such Obligor shall have complied with any of the provisions hereof applicable to it, at any time when such Subordinated Creditor shall have failed to comply with any of the provisions of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement applicable to it. Each Subordinated Creditor hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law, which might be asserted as a bar to such remedy of specific performance.

SECTION 4. Rights of Subrogation. Each Subordinated Creditor agrees that no payment or distribution to the Agents or the Lenders pursuant to the provisions of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement shall entitle such Subordinated Creditor to exercise any right of subrogation in respect thereof until the Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full in cash (other than (x) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted, (y) obligations and liabilities under Secured Hedge Agreements and Cash Management Obligations as to which arrangements satisfactory to the applicable Hedge Bank or Cash Management Bank shall have been made and (z) Letter of Credit Obligations which have been Cash Collateralized or back-stopped by a letter of credit as provided for in the ABL Credit Agreement).

SECTION 5. Further Assurances. Each Subordinated Creditor and each Obligor will, at its expense and at any time and from time to time, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary, or that the Agents may reasonably request in writing, in order to protect any right or interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable the Agents or any Lender to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder.

SECTION 6. Agreements in Respect of Subordinated Debt. No Subordinated Creditor will except as permitted under the applicable Credit Agreement:

 

  (i)

sell, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of the Subordinated Debt unless such sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or disposition is made expressly subject to this Intercompany Subordination Agreement; or

 

  (ii)

permit the terms of any of the Subordinated Debt to be changed in such a manner as to have a material adverse effect upon the rights or interests of the Agents or any Lender hereunder.

SECTION 7. Agreement by the Obligors. Each Obligor agrees that it will not make any payment of any of the Subordinated Debt, or take any other action, in each case if such payment or other action would be in contravention of the provisions of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement.

 

   5    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


SECTION 8. Obligations Hereunder Not Affected. All rights and interests of the Agents and the Lenders hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of each Subordinated Creditor and each Obligor under this Intercompany Subordination Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

 

  (i)

any amendment, extension, renewal, compromise, discharge, acceleration or other change in the time for payment or the terms of the Senior Indebtedness or any part thereof;

 

  (ii)

any taking, holding, exchange, enforcement, waiver, release, failure to perfect, sell or otherwise dispose of any security for payment of the Guaranty or any Senior Indebtedness;

 

  (iii)

the application of security and directing the order or manner of sale thereof as the Agents and the Lenders in their sole discretion may determine;

 

  (iv)

the release or substitution of one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Senior Indebtedness;

 

  (v)

the taking of, or failure to take any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of any Guarantor or which, but for this Section 8, might operate as a discharge of such Guarantor;

 

  (vi)

any defense arising by reason of any disability, change in corporate existence or structure or other defense of any Obligor, any other Guarantor or a Subordinated Creditor, the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Secured Party) of the liability of such Obligor, any other Guarantor or a Subordinated Creditor;

 

  (vii)

any defense based on any claim that such Guarantor’s or Subordinated Creditor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of any Obligor, any other Guarantor or any other subordinated creditor, as applicable;

 

  (viii)

the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting such Guarantor’s or Subordinated Creditor’s liability hereunder;

 

  (ix)

any right to proceed against any Obligor, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in the power of any Secured Party, whatsoever;

 

  (x)

any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Secured Party, and

 

   6    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


  (xi)

to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties.

This Intercompany Subordination Agreement shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Senior Indebtedness is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any Agent or any Lender upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Obligor or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

SECTION 9. Waiver. Each Subordinated Creditor and each Obligor hereby waives promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance and any other notice with respect to any of the Obligations and this Intercompany Subordination Agreement and any requirement that Agent or any Lender protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or lien or any property subject thereto or exhaust any right or take any action against any Obligor or any other person or entity or any collateral.

SECTION 10. Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Intercompany Subordination Agreement, and no consent to any departure by any Subordinated Creditor or any Obligor herefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Agents, such Obligor and each Subordinated Creditor, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

SECTION 10. Expenses. This Intercompany Subordination Agreement is entitled to the benefits of Section 12.3 of the ABL Credit Agreement and Section 10.04 of the Term Credit Agreement.

SECTION 11. Addresses for Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.08 of the Term Credit Agreement or Section 12.8 of the ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable. All communications and notice hereunder to an Obligor other than the Borrower shall be given in care of the Borrower.

SECTION 12. No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of the Agents or any Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

 

 

   7    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


SECTION 13. Joinder. Upon execution and delivery after the date hereof by any Restricted Subsidiary of a joinder agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, each such party shall become an Obligor and/or a Subordinated Creditor, as applicable, hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as an Obligor or a Subordinated Creditor, as applicable, hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Obligor and each Subordinated Creditor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Obligor or Subordinated Creditor as a party to this Intercompany Subordination Agreement.

SECTION 14. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc. (a) THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(b) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY OF NEW YORK IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE AGENTS, ANY LENDER OR ANY L/C ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

 

   8    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


(d) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11 OF THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT. NOTHING IN THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

(e) EACH PARTY TO THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 14(E) WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

   9    Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Subordinated Creditor, each Obligor and the Borrower each has caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

                 

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercompany Subordination Agreement]


 

[OBLIGORS]
By:  

                 

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercompany Subordination Agreement]


[SUBORDINATED CREDITORS]
By:  

             

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercompany Subordination Agreement]


Agreed and acknowledged as of the date
Above written:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Term Agent
By  

             

  Name:
  Title:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as ABL Agent
By  

             

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

[Signature Page to Intercompany Subordination Agreement]


Exhibit A to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of                 , 201      (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “Intercompany Subordination Agreement”) among J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Subordinated Creditors and Obligors from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent under the Term Credit Agreement and the ABL Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Intercompany Subordination Agreement.

1. Joinder in the Intercompany Subordination. The undersigned hereby agrees that on and after the date hereof, it shall be [an “Obligor”] [and] [a “Subordinated Creditor”] under and as defined in the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, hereby assumes and agrees to perform all of the obligations of [an Obligor] [and] [a Subordinated Creditor] thereunder and agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Intercompany Subordination Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof; provided that the representations and warranties made by the undersigned thereunder shall be deemed true and correct as of the date of this Joinder.

2. Unconditional Joinder. The undersigned acknowledges that the undersigned’s obligations as a party to this Joinder are unconditional and are not subject to the execution of one or more Joinders by other parties. The undersigned further agrees that it has joined and is fully obligated as [an Obligor] [and] [a Subordinated Creditor] under the Intercompany Subordination Agreement.

3. Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the Intercompany Subordination Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth in full.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 

[                                                                                        ]
By:  

             

  Name:
  Title:

Exhibit A

Form of J. Crew Intercompany Subordination Agreement


EXHIBIT M

FORM OF SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE

of

J. CREW GROUP, INC.

AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

March 7, 2011

Pursuant to (i) that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Term Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) (which on the date hereof shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent thereunder and (ii) that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ABL Credit Agreement” and, together with the Term Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), among Merger Sub (which on the date hereof shall be merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower), Holdings, the Lenders and Issuers from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent thereunder, the undersigned hereby certifies, solely in such undersigned’s capacity as chief financial officer of the Company, and not individually, as follows:

As of the date hereof, after giving effect to the consummation of the Transaction, including the making of the Loans under the Credit Agreements on the date hereof, and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans:

 

  a.

The fair value of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise;

 

  b.

The present fair saleable value of the property of the Company and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured;

 

  c.

The Company and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured; and

 

  d.

The Company and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital.

 

   M-1    Form of Solvency Certificate


For purposes of this Certificate, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the respective Credit Agreements.

The undersigned is familiar with the business and financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries. In reaching the conclusions set forth in this Certificate, the undersigned has made such other investigations and inquiries as the undersigned has deemed appropriate, having taken into account the nature of the particular business anticipated to be conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries after consummation of the Transaction.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

   M-2    Form of Solvency Certificate


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate in such undersigned’s capacity as chief financial officer of the Company, on behalf of the Company, and not individually, as of the date first stated above.

 

J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

             

  Name:
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

   M-3    Form of Solvency Certificate


EXHIBIT O-1

FORM OF NON-BANK CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships or Pass-Thru Entities For U.S. Federal

Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.                               (the “Foreign Lender”) is providing this certificate pursuant to Section 3.1(b) of the Credit Agreement.

The Foreign Lender hereby represents and warrants that:

1. The Foreign Lender is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loans (as well as any notes evidencing such loans) in respect of which it is providing this certificate.

2. The Foreign Lender is not a “bank” for purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In this regard, the Foreign Lender further represents and warrants that:

 

  (a)

the Foreign Lender is not subject to regulatory or other legal requirements as a bank in any jurisdiction; and

 

  (b)

the Foreign Lender has not been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax, securities law or other filing or submission made to any Governmental Authority, any application made to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption from tax, securities law or other legal requirements.

3. The Foreign Lender is not a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code.

4. The Foreign Lender is not a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code related to the Borrower within the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

   O-1    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this certificate on the                  day of                 , 20     .

 

[ NAME OF FOREIGN LENDER ]
By:  

                 

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

   O-2    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


EXHIBIT O-2

FORM OF NON-BANK CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships or Pass-Thru Entities For U.S. Federal

Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.                              (the “Foreign Lender”) is providing this certificate pursuant to Section 3.1(b) of the Credit Agreement.

The Foreign Lender hereby represents and warrants that:

1. The Foreign Lender is the sole record owner of the Loans (as well as any notes evidencing such Loans) in respect of which it is providing this certificate.

2. The Foreign Lender’s partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of the Loans (as well as any notes evidencing such Loans).

3. Neither the Foreign Lender nor any of its partners/members is a “bank” for purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In this regard, the Foreign Lender further represents and warrants that:

 

  (a)

neither the Foreign Lender nor any of its partners/members is subject to regulatory or other legal requirements as a bank in any jurisdiction; and

 

  (b)

neither the Foreign Lender nor any of its partners/members has been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax, securities law or other filing or submission made to any Governmental Authority, any application made to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption from tax, securities law or other legal requirements.

4. None of the Foreign Lender’s partners/members is a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code.

5. None of the Foreign Lender’s partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code related to the Borrower within the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

   O-3    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this certificate on the                  day of                 , 20     .

 

[NAME OF FOREIGN LENDER]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

 

   O-4    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


EXHIBIT O-3

FORM OF NON-BANK CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships or Pass-Thru Entities For U.S.

Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.                              (the “Foreign Participant”) is providing this certificate pursuant to Section 3.1(b) and Section 12.2(d) of the Credit Agreement.

The Foreign Participant hereby represents and warrants that:

1. The Foreign Participant is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate.

2. The Foreign Participant is not a “bank” for purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In this regard, the Foreign Participant further represents and warrants that:

 

  (a)

the Foreign Participant is not subject to regulatory or other legal requirements as a bank in any jurisdiction; and

 

  (b)

the Foreign Participant has not been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax, securities law or other filing or submission made to any Governmental Authority, any application made to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption from tax, securities law or other legal requirements.

3. The Foreign Participant is not a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code.

4. The Foreign Participant is not a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code related to the Borrower within the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

   O-5    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this certificate on the                  day of                 , 20     .

 

[NAME OF FOREIGN PARTICIPANT]
By:  

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

   O-6    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


EXHIBIT O-4

FORM OF NON-BANK CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships or Pass-Thru Entities For

U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Closing Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.                                      (the “Foreign Participant”) is providing this certificate pursuant to Section 3.1(b) and Section 12.2(d) of the Credit Agreement.

The Foreign Participant hereby represents and warrants that:

1. The Foreign Participant is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate.

2. The Foreign Participant’s partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of the participation.

3. Neither the Foreign Participant nor any of its partners/members is a “bank” for purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In this regard, the Foreign Participant further represents and warrants that:

 

  (a)

neither the Foreign Participant nor any of its partners/members is subject to regulatory or other legal requirements as a bank in any jurisdiction; and

 

  (b)

neither the Foreign Participant nor any of its partners/members has been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax, securities law or other filing or submission made to any Governmental Authority, any application made to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption from tax, securities law or other legal requirements.

4. None of the Foreign Participant’s partners/members is a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code.

5. None of the Foreign Participant’s partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code related to the Borrower within the meaning of Section 864(d) of the Code.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

   O-7    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this certificate on the                  day of                 , 20     .

 

[NAME OF FOREIGN PARTICIPANT]
By:  

                     

  Name:
  Title:

 

   O-8    Form of Non-Bank Certificate


EXHIBIT P

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

[Insert date]

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2011 (as amended, extended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into J. Crew Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Company surviving such merger as the Borrower (the “Borrower”)), Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders and Issuers from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (capitalized terms used herein have the meanings attributed thereto in the Credit Agreement unless otherwise defined herein). Pursuant to Section 7.2(a) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned, solely in his/her capacity as the chief financial officer of the Borrower, certifies as follows:

1. [Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended [      ], 20[      ], and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, together with related notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis describing results of operations, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of KPMG LLP, which report and opinion has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and is not subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit. Also attached hereto as Exhibit A are the related consolidating financial statements reflecting the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) (which may be in footnote form only) from such consolidated financial statements.] 1

2. [Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of the Fiscal Quarter ended [                  ], and the related (i) condensed consolidated statements of income or operations for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended and (ii) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding Fiscal Quarter of the previous Fiscal Year and the corresponding portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail (collectively, the “Financial Statements”), together with management’s discussion and analysis describing results of operations. Such Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes. Also attached hereto as Exhibit A are the related consolidating financial statements reflecting the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) (which may be in footnote form only) from such consolidated financial statements.] 2

 

1 

To be included if accompanying annual financial statements only.

2 

To be included if accompanying quarterly financial statements only.


3. [Attached hereto as Exhibit B are the Projections required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(d) of the Credit Agreement. Such Projections have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such Projections. Actual results may vary from such Projections and such variations may be material.] 3

4. [To my knowledge, except as otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, no Default has occurred and is continuing.] [If unable to provide the foregoing certification, attach an Annex A specifying the details of the Default that has occurred and is continuing and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.]

5. [Attached hereto as Schedule 1 is a reasonably detailed calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent Test Period, which calculation is true and accurate on and as of the date of this Certificate.]

6. [Attached hereto as Schedule 2 are reasonably detailed calculations, which calculations are true and accurate on and as of the date of this Certificate, of the Net Cash Proceeds received during the Fiscal Year ended [                  ] by or on behalf of, Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Disposition subject to prepayment pursuant to Section 2.9(b) of the Credit Agreement.]

7. [Attached hereto is the information required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.2(d) of the Credit Agreement.]

[REMAINDER OF THE PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

3 

To be included only in annual compliance certificate (beginning with the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012).


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, solely in his/her capacity as a chief financial officer of J. Crew Group, Inc., has executed this certificate for and on behalf of J. Crew Group, Inc. and has caused this certificate to be delivered as of the date first set forth above.

 

J. CREW GROUP, INC.
By:  

                              

  Name:
  Title: Chief Financial Officer


SCHEDULE 1

TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Test Period covered by the calculations below: [                ], 20[    ] to [                ], 20[    ].   

 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Test Period is        : 1:00.

  
(A)    Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio   
   (1)    Consolidated EBITDA   
      (a)    Consolidated Net Income:   
         (i)    the net income (loss) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidatedbasis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect ofpreferred stock dividends, excluding, without duplication:                
            (A)    any net after-tax extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses, and Transaction Expenses, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs (other than with respect to Stores), severance costs and expenses and one-time compensation charges                
            (B)    the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, whether effected through a cumulative effect adjustment or a retroactive application in each case in accordance with GAAP                
            (C)    effects of adjustments (including the effect of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries) in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP (including in the inventory, property and equipment, software, goodwill, intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items thereof) resulting from the application of recapitalization accounting or purchase accounting, as the case may be, in relation to the Transaction or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes                


           

(D)

   any net after-tax income (loss) from disposed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed or discontinued operations                
           

(E)

   any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Borrower                
           

(F)

   the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period                
           

(G)

   (i) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from obligations in respect of Swap Contracts and the application of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 (Derivatives and Hedging), (ii) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including the net loss or gain (A) resulting from Swap Contracts for currency exchange risk and (B) resulting from intercompany Indebtedness) and all other foreign currency translation gains or losses to the extent such gain or losses are non-cash items, and (iii) any net after-tax income (loss) for such period attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of (A) Indebtedness, (B) obligations under any Swap Contracts or (C) other derivative instruments                


            (H)    any impairment charge or asset write-off, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP                
            (I)    any expenses, charges or losses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Investment, Permitted Acquisition or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Credit Agreement, to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement and only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365 days)                
            (J)    to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within such 365 days), expenses, charges or losses with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption                
            (K)    any non-cash (for such period and all other periods) compensation charge or expense, including any such charge or expense arising from the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights or equity incentive programs shall be excluded, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by, or to, management of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction                
            Consolidated Net Income (item (A)(1)(a)(i) minus the sum of items (A)(1)(a)(i)(A) through (K))                


     

(b)

  

increased by (without duplication):

  
        

(i)

   provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, plus franchise or similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes, of such Person for such period deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income                
        

(ii)

   (A) total interest expense of such Person for such period and (B) bank fees and costs of surety bonds, in each case under this clause (B), in connection with financing activities and, in each case under clauses (A) and (B), to the extent the same was deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income                
        

(iii)

   Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent such depreciation and amortization were deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income                
        

(iv)

   any expenses or charges related to any issuance of Equity Interests, Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement including a refinancing thereof (whether or not successful) and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transactions, including such fees, expenses or charges related to the Transaction, in each case, deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income                
        

(v)

   the amount of any restructuring charge or reserve deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with (A) Permitted Acquisitions after the Effective Date or (B) the closing of any Stores or distribution centers after the Effective Date                
        

(vi)

   the amount of costs relating to pre-opening and opening costs for Stores, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, consolidation and closing costs for Stores and costs incurred in connection with non-recurring product and intellectual property development after the Effective Date, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs), and new systems design and implementation costs and project start-up costs in an aggregate amount for all items added pursuant to this item (A)(1)(b)(vi) not to exceed $25,000,000 in any period of four-consecutive Fiscal Quarters,                


        

(vii)

   any other non-cash charges including any write offs or write downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (1) the Borrower may determine not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (2) to the extent the Borrower does decide to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period)                
        

(viii)

   the amount of any minority interest expense deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income                
        

(ix)

   the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Sponsor Management Agreement or otherwise to the Sponsors to the extent permitted under Section 9.8 of the Credit Agreement and deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income                
        

(x)

   the amount of net cost savings and synergies (other than any of the foregoing related to Specified Transactions) projected by the Borrower in good faith to result from actions taken or expected to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings and synergies had been realized on the first day of the period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, and (B) the aggregate amount of cost savings and synergies added pursuant to this item (A)(1)(b)(x) for any Test Period shall not exceed, after the Effective Date, the greater of (x) $30,000,000 and (y) 10% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period (calculated prior to giving effect to any adjustment pursuant to this item (A)(1)(b)(x))                


         (xi)    cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to item (A)(1)(c) below for any previous period and not added back                
         (xii)    any costs or expenses incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or stockholders agreement, to the extent that such costs or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interests)                
     

(c)

  

decreased by (without duplication):

  
         (i)    any non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any gains that represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period (other than such cash charges that have been added back to Consolidated Net Income in calculating Consolidated EBITDA in accordance with the calculation set forth in this Schedule 1)                
         (ii)    any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period unless such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period                


     

(d)

   Consolidated EBITDA (Consolidated Net Income plus the sum of items (A)(1)(b)(i) through (xii) minus the sum of items (A)(1)(c)(i) and (ii))                
  

(2)

  

Capital Expenditures

  
      (a)    (i)    all amounts that would be reflected as additions to property, plant or equipment on a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP                
         (ii)    the value of all assets under Capitalized Leases incurred by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period                
      provided that Capital Expenditures shall not include (i) expenditures made in connection with the replacement, substitution, restoration or repair of assets to the extent financed with (x) insurance proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to the assets being replaced, substituted, restored or repaired or (y) awards of compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the assets being replaced, (ii) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment to the extent that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time, (iii) the purchase of plant, property or equipment or software to the extent financed with the proceeds of Dispositions that are not required to be applied to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.9(b) of the Credit Agreement, (iv) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and that actually are paid for, or reimbursed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash or Cash Equivalents, by a Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and for which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation (other than rent) in respect of such expenditures to such Person or any other Person (whether before, during or after such period), (v) expenditures to the extent constituting any portion of a Permitted Acquisition, (vi) the purchase price of equipment purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (A) used or surplus equipment traded in at the time of such purchase and (B) the proceeds of a concurrent sale of used or surplus equipment, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, (vii) expenditures relating to the construction, acquisition, replacement, reconstruction, development, refurbishment, renovation or improvement of any property which has been transferred to a Person other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary during the same Fiscal Year in which such expenditures were made pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction to the extent of the cash proceeds received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to such sale-leaseback transaction or (viii) expenditures financed with the proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower or a capital contribution to the Borrower or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement   


               Capital Expenditures   
         (iii)    the sum of items (A)(2)(a)(i) and (ii)                
               Cash Taxes   
      (b)    with respect to any Test Period, all taxes paid or payable in cash by the Borrower and its Restricted
Subsidiaries during such Test Period
               
      (c)    item (A)(1)(d) minus item (A)(2)(a)(iii) minus item (A)(2)(b)                
   (3)    Fixed Charges   
      with respect to any Person for any Test Period, the sum, determined on a Consolidated basis, of:   
      (a)    Consolidated Net Cash Interest Expense   
            (i)    with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for any period, determined in accordance with GAAP, total interest expense paid or payable in cash in such period (including that attributable to obligations with respect to Capitalized Leases in accordance with GAAP in effect on the Effective Date but excluding any imputed interest as a result of purchase accounting) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis and all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries                
               provided that Consolidated Net Cash Interest Expense shall not include (i) any non-cash interest or deferred financing costs, (ii) any amortization or write-down of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, discounted liabilities, commissions, fees and expenses, (iii) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and (iv) penalties and interest related to Taxes   


            (ii)    interest income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries actually received in cash during such period Swap Contracts.                
         Consolidated Net Cash Interest Expense
            (iii)    item (A)(3)(a)(i) minus item (A)(3)(a)(ii)                
      (b)    Scheduled payments of principal on Indebtedness for borrowed money of such Person and its Subsidiaries due and payable during such period                
      Fixed Charges
      (c)    the sum of item (A)(3)(a)(iii) and item (A)(3)(b)                
      Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio   
         item (2)(c)(d) divided by item (3)(c)                : 1.00

 


SCHEDULE 2

TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

  (B)   Net Cash Proceeds   
    with respect to the Disposition of any asset by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, the excess, if any, of:   
      (i)    the sum of:   
         (A)    cash and Cash Equivalents received in connection with such Disposition (including any cash and Cash Equivalents received by way of deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or otherwise, but only as and when so received)                
      (ii)    over the sum of:   
         (A)    the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by the asset subject to such Disposition and that is required to be repaid in connection with such Disposition (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents or the Term Facility Documentation or any Permitted Refinancing of the Indebtedness under the Term Facility Documentation)                
         (B)    the out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees) actually incurred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Disposition                
         (C)    taxes or distributions made pursuant to Section 9.6(g)(i) or (g)(ii) of the Credit Agreement paid or reasonably estimated to be payable in connection therewith (including taxes imposed on the distribution or repatriation of any such Net Cash Proceeds)                
         (D)    in the case of any Disposition by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, the pro-rata portion of the Net Cash Proceeds thereof (calculated without regard to this item (B)(ii)(D)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Borrower or a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary as a result thereof                
         (E)    any reserve for adjustment in respect of (x) the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP and (y) any liabilities associated with such asset or assets and retained by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction, it being understood that “Net Cash Proceeds” shall include the amount of any reversal (without the satisfaction of any applicable liabilities in cash in a corresponding amount) of any reserve described in this clause (ii)(E)                
  Net Cash Proceeds (item (B)(i)(A) minus the sum of items (B)(ii)(A) through (E))                


EXHIBIT R

[FORM OF] CUSTOMS BROKER AGREEMENT

[DATE]

Name and Address of [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]:

 

                                                     

                                                     

                                                     

Email Address:                                 

Fax Number:                                     

Dear Sir/Madam:

[J. Crew Group, Inc.][Insert name of other Loan Party], a [Delaware][                  ] corporation with its principal executive offices at [770 Broadway, New York, New York 10003][Insert address for Loan Party] (referred to herein as the “Company”), among others, has entered into a Security Agreement dated as of March 7, 2011 (the “Security Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., with offices at 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, as collateral agent (in such capacity, herein the “Agent”) for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, as defined under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March 7, 2011 (the “Credit Agreement”) by and among Chinos Acquisition Corporation, which on the Effective Date shall be merged with and into [J. Crew Group, Inc.][the Company], with [J. Crew Group, Inc.][the Company] surviving such merger as the Borrower, Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Lenders and Issuers from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other agents named therein, pursuant to which Security Agreement, the Company, among others, has granted a security interest to the Agent in and to, substantially all of the assets of the Company, including, among other things, all of the Company’s inventory, goods, documents, bills of lading and other documents of title. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

The Agent has requested that you (together with any affiliates providing services to the Company or its affiliates, the “[Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]”) act as the Agent’s agent for the limited purpose of more fully perfecting and protecting the security interest of the Agent in the Title Documents (as defined below) and the Property (as defined below), and the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] has agreed to do so. This letter agreement (this “Agreement”) shall set forth the terms of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s engagement.

1. Acknowledgment of Security Interest; Power of Attorney: The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] acknowledges that the Company has granted a security interest to the Agent in all of the Company’s right, title, and interest in, to and under the Title Documents (as defined below), the Property (as defined below) and any contracts or agreements relating thereto. The Company advises the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier], and the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] acknowledges that the Company has irrevocably constituted and appointed the Agent as the Company’s true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution to exercise all of such rights, title, and interest, which appointment has been coupled with an interest. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Company holds title to all Title Documents (as defined below) and Property (as defined below) while in the custody or control of the

 

   1    Form of Customs Broker Agreement


[Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]; (ii) upon receipt of any such Title Documents or Property, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall promptly notify the Company that it is holding such Title Documents or Property on behalf of the Company; (iii) [the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder] shall not deliver any Property to a third party for shipment and delivery unless any related Title Documents reflects a Loan Party as “consignor/shipper” and a Loan Party as “consignee” and such third party is advised of the Agent’s liens on such Title Documents and Property and rights with respect thereto] 1; and (iv) if the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] receives notice from any seller of any Property of such seller’s intent to stop delivery of such Property to the Company, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall promptly notify the Agent of the same and, in all such cases, shall follow solely the instructions of the Agent concerning the release, transfer, or other disposition of the Property and will not follow any instructions of the Company or any other person concerning same, unless instructed otherwise by the Agent.

2. Appointment Of [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] as Agent of Agent: The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] is hereby appointed as agent for the Agent to receive and retain possession of (i) all bills of lading, waybills, documents, and any other documents of title or carriage constituting, evidencing, or relating to the Company’s inventory (collectively, the “Title Documents”) heretofore or at any time hereafter issued for any goods, inventory, or other property of the Company which are received by the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] for processing (collectively, the “Property”), and (ii) all Property, as applicable, such receipt and retention of possession being for the purpose of more fully perfecting and preserving the Agent’s security interests in the Title Documents and the Property. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] will maintain possession of the Title Documents and Property, as applicable, subject to the security interests of the Agent, and will note the security interests of the Agent on the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s books and records.

3. Delivery of Title Documents. Release of Goods: Until the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] receives written notification from the Agent pursuant to paragraph 4 below to the contrary the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] may deliver:

(a) the Title Documents to the [issuing carrier or to its agent (who shall act on the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder]’s behalf as the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder]’s sub-agent hereunder) for the purpose of permitting the Company, as consignee, to obtain possession or control of the Property subject to such Title Documents] 2 [Company or as otherwise directed by the Company] 3; and

(b) the Property as directed by the Company.

4. Notice From Agent To Follow Agent’s Instructions: Upon the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s receipt of written notification from the Agent, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall thereafter follow solely the instructions of the Agent concerning the disposition of the Title Documents and the Property and will not follow any instructions of the Company or any other person concerning the same, unless, in each case, instructed otherwise by the Agent.

 

1

Insert if used with a Freight Forwarder or Customs Broker, if applicable.

2

Inserted if used with a Customs Broker or Carrier.

3

Inserted if used with a Carrier.

 

 

   2    Form of Customs Broker Agreement


5. Limited Authority: The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s sole authority as the agent of the Agent is to receive and maintain possession of the Title Documents and Property on behalf of the Agent and to follow the instructions of the Agent as provided herein. Except as may be specifically authorized and instructed in writing by the Agent, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall have no authority as the agent of the Agent to undertake any other action or to enter into any other commitments on behalf of the Agent.

6. Expenses: The Agent shall not be obligated to compensate the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] for serving as agent hereunder, nor shall the Agent be responsible for any fees, expenses, customs, duties, taxes, or other charges relating to the Title Documents or the Property. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] acknowledges that the Company is solely responsible for payment of any compensation and charges which are to the Company’s account. The Company is further responsible for paying any fees, expenses, customs duties, taxes, or other charges which are, or may accrue, to the account of the Property. The Agent, at its sole option, may authorize the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] to perform specified services on behalf of the Agent at mutually agreed to rates of compensation, which shall be to the Agent’s account, and payable to the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] by the Agent; provided, however, that such payments shall not affect any obligations of the Company to reimburse the Agent for any such compensation or other costs or expenses incurred by the Agent as required by the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

7. Term:

(a) In the event that the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] desires to terminate this Agreement, the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall furnish the Agent with sixty (60) days prior written notice of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s intention to do so. During such 60 day period (which may be shortened by written notice to the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] by the Agent), the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall continue to serve as agent hereunder. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] shall also cooperate with the Agent and execute all such documentation and undertake all such action as may be reasonably required by the Agent in connection with such termination.

(b) All notices given under this Agreement shall be delivered to the following addresses (or to such other addresses as may be provided to the other parties hereto via written notice) and shall be delivered via overnight currier or registered mail:

If to Agent:

Bank of America, N.A.

100 Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Attn: Mark D. Twomey

Re: J. Crew Group, Inc.

If to [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]

                                             

                                             

                                             

 

   3    Form of Customs Broker Agreement


(c) Except as provided in Section 7(a), above, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] receives written notification from the Agent of the termination of the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s responsibilities hereunder.

8. Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s Lien: The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] hereby waives any lien, security interest, hypothecation or right of retention (whether arising by contract, statute or otherwise) it now has or hereafter may acquire on or in any Title Documents and Property. The [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] certifies that it does not know of any security interest or other claim with respect to any of the Property other than the security interest in favor of the Agent which is the subject of this Agreement.

9. Counterparts; Integration. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier] and Agent relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all contemporaneous or previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the parties and when the Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement. No party hereto shall have any liability to any other party for any direct, incidental, special, consequential, punitive or exemplary damage, or damages for loss of profit, business or data, arising out of this Agreement or the matters contemplated hereunder.

10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

   4    Form of Customs Broker Agreement


If the foregoing correctly sets forth our understanding, please indicate the [Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Carrier]’s acknowledgment and agreement to the foregoing.

 

Very truly yours,
COMPANY:
[J. CREW GROUP INC.][LOAN PARTY]
By:  

                              

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Agreed, Acknowledged and Accepted:

[CUSTOMS BROKER/FREIGHT FORWARDER/CARRIER]:

 

 

By:  

                          

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Acknowledged:
AGENT:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

 

   5    Form of Customs Broker Agreement